How severe is CVE-2018-18653?

CVE-2018-18653 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-2018-18653 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (23rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-18653?

CVE-2018-18653 affects Canonical Ubuntu Linux. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-18653?

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-2018-18653 published?

CVE-2018-18653 was published on 2018-10-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-18653

CVE-2018-18653 is a high-severity vulnerability in Canonical Ubuntu Linux 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-347.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (23rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-347
Affected product: Canonical Ubuntu Linux
Published: 2018-10-26
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The Linux kernel, as used in Ubuntu 18.10 and when booted with UEFI Secure Boot enabled, allows privileged local users to bypass intended Secure Boot restrictions and execute untrusted code by loading arbitrary kernel modules. This occurs because a modified kernel/module.c, in conjunction with certain configuration options, leads to mishandling of the result of signature verification.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-18653?: The Linux kernel, as used in Ubuntu 18.10 and when booted with UEFI Secure Boot enabled, allows privileged local users to bypass intended Secure Boot restrictions and execute untrusted code by loading arbitrary kernel modules. This occurs because a modified kernel/module.c, in conjunction with certain configuration options, leads to mishandling of the result of signature verification.
How severe is CVE-2018-18653?: CVE-2018-18653 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-2018-18653 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (23rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-18653?: CVE-2018-18653 affects Canonical Ubuntu Linux. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-18653?: 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-2018-18653 published?: CVE-2018-18653 was published on 2018-10-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:18.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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