CVE-2016-9275: Heap-based buffer overflow in the _dwarf_skim_forms function in libdwarf/dwarf_macro5.c in Libdwarf before...

Security readout for executives and security teams

Libdwarf versions before 20161124 can read past a heap buffer while parsing DWARF macro data. If a system uses Libdwarf to inspect untrusted binaries, object files, or debug information, a malformed file could crash that process. Sources describe denial of service, not data theft or code execution. Exposure is most likely in developer, security, build, forensics, or analysis tooling that links Libdwarf and processes attacker-supplied DWARF data. Internet exposure depends on whether such parsing is reachable through uploaded or remotely supplied files. Treat as a targeted availability risk for systems that parse untrusted binaries. Prioritize patching where Libdwarf-backed analysis is exposed to uploads, external submissions, malware samples, or automated build inputs. Mitigation focus: Upgrade Libdwarf to 20161124 or a later vendor-fixed package.; Check operating system vendor advisories for backported fixes.; Avoid processing untrusted DWARF files on sensitive shared services..

Prepared

Jun 13, 2026, 05:45 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.