CVE-2018-17972

What it is

An issue was discovered in the proc_pid_stack function in fs/proc/base.c in the Linux kernel through 4.18.11. It does not ensure that only root may inspect the kernel stack of an arbitrary task, allowing a local attacker to exploit racy stack unwinding and leak kernel task stack contents.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

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

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2018-10-03 22:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:46 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: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-10-03 22:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:46 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-362 · Race condition

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 4.18.11
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.10
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop 7.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Server 7.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

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-2018-17972.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-17972. 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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