CVE-2018-16862

What it is

A security flaw was found in the Linux kernel in a way that the cleancache subsystem clears an inode after the final file truncation (removal). The new file created with the same inode may contain leftover pages from cleancache and the old file data instead of the new one.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure.

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. 2018-11-26 19:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:44 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: 5.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-11-26 19:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:44 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 4.14
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 7.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
• Debian Linux 8.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 5.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

Low

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-2018-16862.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-16862. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge