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Vulnerability record · CVE-2016-2338 · published 29 September 2022

CVE-2016-2338: Ruby-lang ruby out-of-bounds write vulnerability

Ruby Lang · Ruby

An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the Psych::Emitter start_document function of Ruby. In Psych::Emitter start_document function heap buffer "head" allocation is made based on tags array length. Specially constructed object passed as element of tags array can increase this array size after mentioned allocation and cause heap overflow.

9.8 CVSS 3.1 Critical EPSS 4.7% · top 8.5% CWE-787 · Out-of-bounds write
9.8CVSS 3.1 base score
4.7%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
2Affected product versions listed by NVD
6References, 2 tagged exploit
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the Psych::Emitter start_document function of Ruby. In Psych::Emitter start_document function heap buffer "head" allocation is made based on tags array length. Specially constructed object passed as element of tags array can increase this array size after mentioned allocation and cause heap overflow.

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

2 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
http://www.talosintelligence.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0032/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/03/msg00032.html Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20221228-0005/ Third Party Advisory
http://www.talosintelligence.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0032/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/03/msg00032.html Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20221228-0005/ Third Party Advisory

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2016-2338), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.