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Busybox CVE-2017-16544

HIGH
Code Injection (CWE-94)
2017-11-20 cve@mitre.org
8.8
CVSS 3.1 · NVD
View

Vulnerability Assessment

Weakness
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A05:2025 - Injection
ASVS 5.0
V1 - Encoding and Sanitization Code injection prevention, sandbox exec
MITRE ATT&CK

2 techniques across 2 tactics: Execution, Initial Access

The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up.

Impact

CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). Attack characteristics: network attack vector, low complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction not required. Public proof-of-concept exploit code is available. EPSS exploitation probability: 3.31%.

Exploit ScenarioDerived

A remote attacker could inject and execute arbitrary code within the application by sending crafted requests to the affected application.

This Week Schedule remediation this week. Why: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9).
Patch available 3.3% exploitation probability (EPSS)

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AnalysisAI

In the add_match function in libbb/lineedit.c in BusyBox through 1.27.2, the tab autocomplete feature of the shell, used to get a list of filenames in a directory, does not sanitize filenames and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.

RemediationAI

A vendor patch is available. Apply the latest security update as soon as possible. Never evaluate user-controlled input as code. Use sandboxing, disable dangerous functions, apply strict input validation.

Affects your stack

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Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.

Technical ContextAI · show details

This vulnerability is classified as Code Injection (CWE-94), which allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the application. In the add_match function in libbb/lineedit.c in BusyBox through 1.27.2, the tab autocomplete feature of the shell, used to get a list of filenames in a directory, does not sanitize filenames and results in executing any escape sequence in the terminal. This could potentially result in code execution, arbitrary file writes, or other attacks. Affected products include: Busybox, Debian Debian Linux, Vmware Esxi, Redlion N-Tron 702-W Firmware, Redlion N-Tron 702M12-W Firmware. Version information: through 1.27.2.

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  • Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources

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Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY 8.8 HIGH
AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

Attack Vector
Network
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

DescriptionCVE.org

In the add_match function in libbb/lineedit.c in BusyBox through 1.27.2, the tab autocomplete feature of the shell, used to get a list of filenames in a directory, does not sanitize filenames and results in executing any escape sequence in the terminal. This could potentially result in code execution, arbitrary file writes, or other attacks.

Threat Intelligence Overview

EPSS Score
3.3%
Top 13% exploitable
Exploit
POC
Public exploit code exists
Data Quality
3 sources
Confidence: Low

How this decision was reached

The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.

SignalValue
Severity HIGH
CISA KEV No
Public POC Yes
EPSS 3.3%
Patch available Yes
Active threat No
Deciding rule
HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9)
What every action level means
Emergency Immediate action required. Criteria: CRITICAL + in CISA KEV (actively exploited) without patch, OR CRITICAL + EPSS > 30% without patch, OR CRITICAL + active threat signals without patch.
Act Now Prioritize within 24-48h. Criteria: in KEV with patch available, OR CRITICAL + public POC, OR HIGH + EPSS > 10%, OR CRITICAL + active threat, OR any CRITICAL severity.
This Week Schedule remediation this week. Criteria: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9). Patch within normal change window.
This Month Plan within 30 days. Criteria: MEDIUM severity (CVSS 4.0-6.9), lower exploitation probability. Include in regular patch cycle.
Monitor Track and reassess. Criteria: LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9), minimal exploitation risk. No immediate action needed.

SSVC AssessmentENISA

SSVC Decision· derived
Scheduled
Exploitation· derived
Poc
System Exposure· derived
Open
Automatable· derived
No
Human Impact· derived
Medium

Priority Score

67
Low Medium High Critical
KEV: 0
EPSS: +3
CVSS: +44
PoC: +20
Weaponized: 0
Threat intel: 0
Gov advisory: 0

Attack Technique

Code Injection CRITICAL

Code injection occurs when an application accepts user input and passes it directly into a language interpreter or evaluator without proper sanitization.

Remote Code Execution represents the critical moment when an attacker successfully runs arbitrary code on a target system without physical access.

Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org

cpe:2.3:a:busybox:busybox:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:1a:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:1b:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:3a:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201504401:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201505401:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507101:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507102:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507401:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507402:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507403:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507404:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:6.0:600-201507405:*:*:*:*:*:*
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