CVE-2018-14779

What it is

A buffer overflow issue was discovered in the Yubico-Piv 1.5.0 smartcard driver. The file lib/ykpiv.c contains the following code in the function `ykpiv_transfer_data()`: {% highlight c %} if(*out_len + recv_len - 2 > max_out) { fprintf(stderr, "Output buffer to small, wanted to write %lu, max was %lu.", *out_len + recv_len - 2, max_out); } if(out_data) { memcpy(out_data, data, recv_len - 2); out_data += recv_len - 2; *out_len += recv_len - 2; } {% endhighlight %} -- it is clearly checked whether the buffer is big enough to hold the data copied using `memcpy()`, but no error handling happens to avoid the `memcpy()` in such cases. This code path can be triggered with malicious data coming from a smartcard.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2018-08-15 18:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:41 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-08-15 18:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:41 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Yubico Piv Manager < 1.4.2
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2b
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2c
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2d
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2e
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2f
• Yubico Piv Manager 1.4.2g

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.8

Attack vector

Physical

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

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