Heap-based buffer overflow in kernel heap-based buffer overflow in fs/ext4/xattr.c
Priority LOW 30CWE-122Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Physical
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Partial Red Hat: 2 fixed, 2 without a fix
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · NVD. Fix status from CNA and Red Hat. Impact type from CWE-122 and the CVSS impact.
Summary
Linux kernel is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow in the fs/ext4/xattr.c:ext4_xattr_set_entry() function. An attacker could exploit this by operating on a mounted crafted ext4 image.
Why it matters now
EPSS 0.0067 52nd percentileScored 2026-11-07
Public exploit Yes 1 exploit referenceTagged by NVD
Fix Partial Red Hat: 1 advisoryRed Hat: 2 fixed, 2 without a fix
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kernel | heap-based buffer overflow in fs/ext4/xattr.c | all versions | — | No fix listed | CNA |
- heap-based buffer overflow in fs/ext4/xattr.c Vendorkernel Affected all versions Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 4
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | not specified by NVD | Vulnerable | Linux |
| cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* | 14.04 | Vulnerable | Canonical |
| cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:18.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* | 18.04 | Vulnerable | Canonical |
| cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 7.0 | Vulnerable | Red Hat |
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions not specified by NVD Vulnerable ·Linux
- cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* Versions 14.04 Vulnerable ·Canonical
- cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:18.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* Versions 18.04 Vulnerable ·Canonical
- cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 7.0 Vulnerable ·Red Hat
Remediation
Red Hat 1 advisory
- RHSA-2019:0162 Released 2019-01-29 · Red Hat rating Moderatekernel-alt security, bug fix, and enhancement update
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux for ARM and IBM Power LE (POWER9) Server (v. 7) kernel-4.14.0-115.5.1.el7a, kernel-abi-whitelists-4.14.0-115.5.1.el7a, kernel-alt-4.14.0-115.5.1.el7a +9
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux for ARM and IBM Power LE (POWER9) Server Optional (v. 7) kernel-debug-devel-4.14.0-115.5.1.el7a, kernel-tools-libs-devel-4.14.0-115.5.1.el7a
Vendor assessments
Red Hat
Red Hat rating: Moderate. Red Hat's page for this CVE →
| Product | Status | Plan or fix |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 | Affected | No fix planned: Out of support scope |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 | Affected | No fix planned: Will not fix |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux for ARM and IBM Power LE (POWER9) Server (v. 7) | Fixed | RHSA-2019:0162 |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux for ARM and IBM Power LE (POWER9) Server Optional (v. 7) | Fixed | RHSA-2019:0162 |
Not affected: 3 products
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
- Red Hat Enterprise MRG 2
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2018-10840
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-mq9x-53x3-39h5
References
More kernel vulnerabilities
- TI-2014-07400 Blkid in util-linux before 2.26rc-1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code. CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
- TI-2020-14100 An issue was discovered in hwclock.13-v2.27 allows attackers to gain escalated privlidges… CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 6.7
- TI-2021-02893 A logic error was found in the libmount library of util-linux in the function that allows… CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 5.5
- TI-2015-04386 The mkostemp function in login-utils in util-linux when used incorrectly allows remote… CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2026-21863 util-linux: TOCTOU Race Condition in util-linux mount(8) - Loop Device Setup CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 4.7
- TI-2024-18667 wall in util-linux through 2.40, often installed with setgid tty permissions, allows… CVSS 3.1LOW 3.3
Sources
- CVE-2018-10840 · CVE Program
- CVE-2018-10840 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-mq9x-53x3-39h5 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
- CVE-2018-10840 · Red Hat security data · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences