CVE-2018-16866

What it is

An out of bounds read was discovered in systemd-journald in the way it parses log messages that terminate with a colon ':'. A local attacker can use this flaw to disclose process memory data. Versions from v221 to v239 are vulnerable.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2019-01-11 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: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 3.3 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-01-11 19:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:44 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-125 · Out-of-bounds read

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Systemd Project Systemd ≤ 239
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.10
• Netapp Active Iq Performance Analytics Services
• Netapp Element Software
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 7.6

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 3.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

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-2018-16866.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-16866. 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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