CVE-2018-1118

What it is

Linux kernel vhost since version 4.8 does not properly initialize memory in messages passed between virtual guests and the host operating system in the vhost/vhost.c:vhost_new_msg() function. This can allow local privileged users to read some kernel memory contents when reading from the /dev/vhost-net device file.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2018-05-10 22:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:50 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.3 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2018-05-10 22:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:50 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-665

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 4.18
• Debian Linux 8.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04
• Redhat Virtualization Host 4.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop 7.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Server 7.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation 7.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 2.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2018-1118.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-1118. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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