How severe is CVE-2008-4018?

CVE-2008-4018 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-4018 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (31st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-4018?

CVE-2008-4018 primarily affects Ibm Aix. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4018?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-4018 published?

CVE-2008-4018 was published on 2008-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-4018

CVE-2008-4018 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Aix with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (31st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Ibm Aix
Published: 2008-09-11
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

swcons in bos.rte.console in IBM AIX 5.2.0 through 6.1.1 allows local users in the system group to create or overwrite an arbitrary file, and establish weak permissions and root ownership for this file, via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this can be leveraged to gain privileges. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2007-5805.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4018?: swcons in bos.rte.console in IBM AIX 5.2.0 through 6.1.1 allows local users in the system group to create or overwrite an arbitrary file, and establish weak permissions and root ownership for this file, via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this can be leveraged to gain privileges. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2007-5805.
How severe is CVE-2008-4018?: CVE-2008-4018 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-4018 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (31st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4018?: CVE-2008-4018 primarily affects Ibm Aix. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4018?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-4018 published?: CVE-2008-4018 was published on 2008-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:5.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:5.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:6.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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