CVE-2018-11099: The header::add_INFO_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause inf

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-11099 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting vcftools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The header::add_INFO_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted vcf file.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2018-05-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: vcftools project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-05-17 19:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:35 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vcftools project vcftools DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.1.15

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1.15

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison vcftools sudo apt install vcftools=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.15> sudo apt-mark hold vcftools

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

dnf --showduplicates list vcftools sudo dnf downgrade vcftools-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.15> sudo dnf versionlock add vcftools

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.

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-2018-11099?

vcftools: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-11099 being exploited?

CVE-2018-11099 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-2018-11099 affect?

CVE-2018-11099 affects vcftools. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). The header::add_INFO_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted vcf file.

How urgent is CVE-2018-11099?

Priority 38/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-1010127 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE VCFTools vcftools prior to version 0.1.15 is affected by: Use-after-free
CVE-2018-11130 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE The header::add_FORMAT_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause a
CVE-2018-11129 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE The header::add_INFO_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause a d

References

← Back to latest CVEs