CVE-2018-15688: systemd · dhcp6_option_append_ia() contained an incorrect buffer size calculation.
Affects systemdSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.8 High.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 06:26 UTC
- EPSS
- 1.6% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 76% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 26 Oct 2018
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-26.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
GitHubsystemd/systemdpkg:github/systemd/systemdOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
To mitigate CVE-2018-15688, European organizations should prioritize updating systemd to versions later than 239 where the vulnerability has been patched. Network administrators should implement DHCPv6 server authentication mechanisms where possible, such as using DHCPv6 authentication options or network access controls to restrict unauthorized DHCPv6 servers. Employing network segmentation and monitoring for rogue DHCPv6 servers can reduce exposure. Additionally, disabling DHCPv6 client functionality on interfaces where it is not required can minimize risk. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on IPv6 network components. Logging and alerting on unusual DHCPv6 traffic patterns can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintaining robust incident response plans that include scenarios involving DHCPv6-based attacks will improve resilience.
Description
A buffer overflow vulnerability in the dhcp6 client of systemd allows a malicious dhcp6 server to overwrite heap memory in systemd-networkd. Affected releases are systemd: versions up to and including 239.
References
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/201810-10 (opens in a new tab)
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/11/msg00017.html (opens in a new tab)
- usn.ubuntu.com/3807-1/ (opens in a new tab)
- usn.ubuntu.com/3806-1/ (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:3665 (opens in a new tab)
- securityfocus.com/bid/105745 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/10518 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:0049 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHBA-2019:0327 (opens in a new tab)