CVE-2018-20969

What it is

do_ed_script in pch.c in GNU patch through 2.7.6 does not block strings beginning with a ! character. NOTE: this is the same commit as for CVE-2019-13638, but the ! syntax is specific to ed, and is unrelated to a shell metacharacter.

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, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

2.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2019-08-16 04:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:53 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-08-16 04:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:53 UTC

Exploit probability

2.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Patch ≤ 2.7.6

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

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-2018-20969.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-20969. 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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