How severe is CVE-2017-5618?

CVE-2017-5618 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2017-5618 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-5618?

CVE-2017-5618 affects Gnu Screen. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-5618?

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-2017-5618 published?

CVE-2017-5618 was published on 2017-03-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-5618

CVE-2017-5618 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Screen with a CVSS 3.x 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-863.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (63rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-863
Affected product: Gnu Screen
Published: 2017-03-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

GNU screen before 4.5.1 allows local users to modify arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges by leveraging improper checking of logfile permissions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-5618?: GNU screen before 4.5.1 allows local users to modify arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges by leveraging improper checking of logfile permissions.
How severe is CVE-2017-5618?: CVE-2017-5618 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-5618 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-5618?: CVE-2017-5618 affects Gnu Screen. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-5618?: 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-2017-5618 published?: CVE-2017-5618 was published on 2017-03-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:screen:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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