CVE-2018-12232

What it is

In net/socket.c in the Linux kernel through 4.17.1, there is a race condition between fchownat and close in cases where they target the same socket file descriptor, related to the sock_close and sockfs_setattr functions. fchownat does not increment the file descriptor reference count, which allows close to set the socket to NULL during fchownat's execution, leading to a NULL pointer dereference and system crash.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

6.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2018-06-12 12:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:37 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 6.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.9 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-06-12 12:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:37 UTC

Exploit probability

6.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-362 · Race condition

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 4.17.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 5.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

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-2018-12232.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-12232. 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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