CVE-2018-7738
CVE-2018-7738 is a high-severity vulnerability in Kernel Util-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.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (37th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Affected product: Kernel Util-linux
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
In util-linux before 2.32-rc1, bash-completion/umount allows local users to gain privileges by embedding shell commands in a mountpoint name, which is mishandled during a umount command (within Bash) by a different user, as demonstrated by logging in as root and entering umount followed by a tab character for autocompletion.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2018-7738?
- In util-linux before 2.32-rc1, bash-completion/umount allows local users to gain privileges by embedding shell commands in a mountpoint name, which is mishandled during a umount command (within Bash) by a different user, as demonstrated by logging in as root and entering umount followed by a tab character for autocompletion.
- How severe is CVE-2018-7738?
- CVE-2018-7738 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-2018-7738 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2018-7738?
- CVE-2018-7738 affects Kernel Util-linux. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2018-7738?
- 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-2018-7738 published?
- CVE-2018-7738 was published on 2018-03-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103367
- https://bugs.debian.org/892179
- https://github.com/karelzak/util-linux/commit/75f03badd7ed9f1dd951863d75e756883d3acc55
- https://github.com/karelzak/util-linux/issues/539
- https://usn.ubuntu.com/4512-1/
- https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4134
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20241213-0002/
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:kernel:util-linux:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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