CVE-2011-1018

CVE-2011-1018 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Logwatch with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 18% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 18% (97th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-20
• Affected product: Logwatch
• Published: 2011-02-25
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

logwatch.pl in Logwatch 7.3.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a log file name, as demonstrated via a crafted username to a Samba server.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2011-1018?

logwatch.pl in Logwatch 7.3.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a log file name, as demonstrated via a crafted username to a Samba server.

How severe is CVE-2011-1018?

CVE-2011-1018 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2011-1018 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 18% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2011-1018?

CVE-2011-1018 affects Logwatch. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2011-1018?

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

When was CVE-2011-1018 published?

CVE-2011-1018 was published on 2011-02-25 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2011-March/055579.html
• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2011-March/055585.html
• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2011-March/055617.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2011-04/msg00000.html
• http://logwatch.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/logwatch/scripts/logwatch.pl?r1=3&r2=26&pathrev=26
• http://secunia.com/advisories/43356
• http://secunia.com/advisories/43495
• http://secunia.com/advisories/43622
• http://secunia.com/advisories/43644
• http://secunia.com/advisories/43734
• http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?thread_name=4D604843.7040303%40mblmail.net&forum_name=logwatch-devel
• http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=3184223&group_id=312875&atid=1316824
• http://www.debian.org/security/2011/dsa-2182
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/02/24/13
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/02/24/15
• http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0324.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46554
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025165
• http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1078-1
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0533
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0581
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0596
• https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=680237

Affected products (1)

• cpe:2.3:a:logwatch:logwatch:7.3.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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