CVE-2017-18215: xvpng.c in xv 3.10a has memory corruption (out-of-bounds write) when decoding PNG comment fields, leading to c

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2017-18215 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting xv, leap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

xvpng.c in xv 3.10a has memory corruption (out-of-bounds write) when decoding PNG comment fields, leading to crashes or potentially code execution, because it uses an incorrect length value.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2018-03-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: opensuse · xv project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-03-05 18:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xv project xv DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.10a

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.10a

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy xv || rpm -q xv || xv --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.10a (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xv sudo apt install xv=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.10a> sudo apt-mark hold xv

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list xv sudo dnf downgrade xv-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.10a> sudo dnf versionlock add xv

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

opensuse leap MITIGATE

Affected: 42.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 42.3

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2017-18215?

xv: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; leap: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-18215 being exploited?

CVE-2017-18215 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2017-18215 affect?

CVE-2017-18215 affects xv, leap. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). xvpng.c in xv 3.10a has memory corruption (out-of-bounds write) when decoding PNG comment fields, leading to crashes or potentially code execution, because it uses an incorrect length value.

How urgent is CVE-2017-18215?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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