Heap Overflow Vulnerability in apk-tools

apk-tools Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/07/2017
N/A
Yes i
High
7.8

CVE-2017-9671: A heap overflow in apk (Alpine Linux's package manager) allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service, or achieve code execution, by crafting a malicious APKINDEX.tar.gz file with a bad pax header block. Affects apk-tools versions < 2.7.2-r0. Fixed in 2.7.2-r0. How to fix ↓

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Background

apk-tools is a package manager used in Alpine Linux. It is responsible for managing the installation, upgrade, and removal of software packages on the Alpine Linux operating system. This vulnerability affects versions 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, and 3.13 of apk-tools.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-9671, is a heap overflow in apk-tools. It can be exploited by a remote attacker by crafting a malicious APKINDEX.tar.gz file with a bad pax header block. This can lead to a denial of service or allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.7.2-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade apk-tools

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update apk-tools to the fixed version.

Conclusion

The heap overflow vulnerability in apk-tools can be exploited by a remote attacker to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code. It is crucial to update apk-tools to version 2.7.2-r0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

apk-tools is a package manager used in Alpine Linux to manage software packages.

This vulnerability can result in a denial of service or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

To fix this vulnerability, update apk-tools to version 2.7.2-r0 or later.

No, there is no known workaround. Updating apk-tools is the recommended solution.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the CVE-2017-9671 JSON report: [link to the report]

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for apk-tools.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.7.2-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade apk-tools

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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