How severe is CVE-2018-20815?

CVE-2018-20815 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-20815 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-20815?

CVE-2018-20815 affects Qemu. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-20815?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2018-20815 published?

CVE-2018-20815 was published on 2019-05-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-20815

CVE-2018-20815 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Qemu with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. 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-119.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Qemu
Published: 2019-05-31
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In QEMU 3.1.0, load_device_tree in device_tree.c calls the deprecated load_image function, which has a buffer overflow risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-20815?: In QEMU 3.1.0, load_device_tree in device_tree.c calls the deprecated load_image function, which has a buffer overflow risk.
How severe is CVE-2018-20815?: CVE-2018-20815 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-20815 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-20815?: CVE-2018-20815 affects Qemu. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-20815?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-20815 published?: CVE-2018-20815 was published on 2019-05-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:qemu:qemu:3.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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