# CVE-2016-5321: LibTIFF denial of service in DumpModeDecode

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2016-5321-libtiff-denial-of-service-in-dumpmodedecode  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2017-01-20. Updated: 2026-05-13  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2016-5321 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2017-01-20

A vulnerability exists in libtiff, a widely used library for processing TIFF image files. An attacker can provide a specially crafted image that, when opened by an application using this library, causes the application to crash. This results in a denial of service, potentially disrupting business operations or software that relies on image processing.

Technologies: [Libtiff](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/libtiff), [Opensuse](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/opensuse). Vendors: [Libtiff](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/libtiff), [Opensuse](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/opensuse).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2016-5321 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2016-5321 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2016-5321?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, published 20 January 2017.

**Which products and versions are affected?** LibTIFF libtiff 4.0.6 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2016-5321?** A patch was published on 2017-01-09: Gentoo and Debian released updates addressing the issue in libtiff 4.0.7. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2016-5321 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2016-5321?** Check whether you run Libtiff or Opensuse. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A memory corruption vulnerability exists in libtiff versions 4.0.6 and earlier within the DumpModeDecode function. The flaw is categorized as an improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer (CWE-119), leading to an invalid memory read. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by enticing a user or automated system to process a maliciously crafted TIFF image. Successful exploitation results in an application crash (denial of service). The issue is addressed in libtiff version 4.0.7.

## Affected products

- LibTIFF libtiff 4.0.6 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2017-01-09: patched: Gentoo and Debian released updates addressing the issue in libtiff 4.0.7.
- 2017-01-20: disclosed: NVD publication date.

## References

- [http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00017.html](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00017.html)
- [http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3762](http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3762)
- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91209](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91209)
- [https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-16](https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-16)

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