CVE-2016-6197

Medium

fs/overlayfs/dir.c in the OverlayFS filesystem implementation in the Linux kernel before 4.6 does not properly verify the upper dentry before proceeding with unlink and rename system-call processing, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a rename system call that specifies a self-hardlink.

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2016-08-06
Last modified 2026-05-06
CVSS version 3.0
Patch available
Awaiting data

CVSS 3.0 score

5.5

out of 10
Medium
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
Low
Integrity
None
Availability
High
Vector string
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Weakness type

CWE-20

CVE-2016-6197 is a Improper Input Validation vulnerability

What is Improper Input Validation?

The product receives input but does not validate it correctly, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause unexpected behavior. Learn more on MITRE CWE

References

The following references provide additional information about CVE-2016-6197 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2016-6197?

    CVE-2016-6197 is a Medium severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10 , classified as an Improper Input Validation flaw (CWE-20) . CVE-2016-6197 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2016-6197?

    CVE-2016-6197 has a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10, rated Medium severity (CVSS 3.0). The vector string is CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2016-6197?

    No patch is currently available for CVE-2016-6197. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.

  • Is CVE-2016-6197 actively exploited?

    No — CVE-2016-6197 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

  • What is Improper Input Validation (CWE-20)?

    The product receives input but does not validate it correctly, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause unexpected behavior. View CWE-20 on MITRE CWE →

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