CVE-2018-16858
CVE-2018-16858 is a high-severity vulnerability in Libreoffice with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 67% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.5
- EPSS exploit prediction: 67% (99th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-22
- Affected product: Libreoffice
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
It was found that libreoffice before versions 6.0.7 and 6.1.3 was vulnerable to a directory traversal attack which could be used to execute arbitrary macros bundled with a document. An attacker could craft a document, which when opened by LibreOffice, would execute a Python method from a script in any arbitrary file system location, specified relative to the LibreOffice install location.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2018-16858?
- It was found that libreoffice before versions 6.0.7 and 6.1.3 was vulnerable to a directory traversal attack which could be used to execute arbitrary macros bundled with a document. An attacker could craft a document, which when opened by LibreOffice, would execute a Python method from a script in any arbitrary file system location, specified relative to the LibreOffice install location.
- How severe is CVE-2018-16858?
- CVE-2018-16858 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-2018-16858 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 67% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2018-16858?
- CVE-2018-16858 affects Libreoffice. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2018-16858?
- 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-2018-16858 published?
- CVE-2018-16858 was published on 2019-03-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-08/msg00059.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152560/LibreOffice-Macro-Code-Execution.html
- http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/multi/fileformat/libreoffice_macro_exec
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:2130
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2018-16858
- https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2019/Aug/28
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46727/
- https://www.libreoffice.org/about-us/security/advisories/cve-2018-16858/
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:libreoffice:libreoffice:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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