How severe is CVE-2012-6638?

CVE-2012-6638 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.8, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2012-6638 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-6638?

CVE-2012-6638 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-6638?

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-2012-6638 published?

CVE-2012-6638 was published on 2014-02-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-6638

CVE-2012-6638 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.8. 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-400.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (87th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-400
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2014-02-15
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The tcp_rcv_state_process function in net/ipv4/tcp_input.c in the Linux kernel before 3.2.24 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (kernel resource consumption) via a flood of SYN+FIN TCP packets, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-2663.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-6638?: The tcp_rcv_state_process function in net/ipv4/tcp_input.c in the Linux kernel before 3.2.24 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (kernel resource consumption) via a flood of SYN+FIN TCP packets, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-2663.
How severe is CVE-2012-6638?: CVE-2012-6638 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.8, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2012-6638 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-6638?: CVE-2012-6638 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-6638?: 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-2012-6638 published?: CVE-2012-6638 was published on 2014-02-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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