How severe is CVE-2018-0596?

CVE-2018-0596 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-0596 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-0596?

CVE-2018-0596 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Community. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-0596?

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-2018-0596 published?

CVE-2018-0596 was published on 2018-06-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-0596

CVE-2018-0596 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Community 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-426.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-426
Affected product: Microsoft Visual Studio Community
Published: 2018-06-26
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Visual Studio Community allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-0596?: Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Visual Studio Community allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
How severe is CVE-2018-0596?: CVE-2018-0596 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-0596 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-0596?: CVE-2018-0596 affects Microsoft Visual Studio Community. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-0596?: 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-2018-0596 published?: CVE-2018-0596 was published on 2018-06-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:visual_studio_community:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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