CVE-2018-20169

What it is

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 4.19.9. The USB subsystem mishandles size checks during the reading of an extra descriptor, related to __usb_get_extra_descriptor in drivers/usb/core/usb.c.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2018-12-17 07:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:52 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-12-17 07:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:52 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-400 · Uncontrolled resource consumption

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 3.16.63
• Linux Kernel < 3.18.129
• Linux Kernel < 4.4.167
• Linux Kernel < 4.9.145
• Linux Kernel < 4.14.88
• Linux Kernel < 4.19.9
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 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?

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-2018-20169.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-20169. 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