CVE-2018-12096: The liblnk_data_string_get_utf8_string_size function in liblnk_data_string.c in liblnk through 2018-04-19 allo

Q: How do I fix CVE-2018-12096?

liblnk: upgrade to newer than 20180419. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2018-12096 being exploited?

CVE-2018-12096 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2018-12096 affect?

CVE-2018-12096 affects liblnk. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). The liblnk_data_string_get_utf8_string_size function in liblnk_data_string.c in liblnk through 2018-04-19 allows remote attackers to cause an information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted lnk file. NOTE: the vendor has

Q: How urgent is CVE-2018-12096?

Priority 31/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5UPGRADE

CVE-2018-12096 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting liblnk. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The liblnk_data_string_get_utf8_string_size function in liblnk_data_string.c in liblnk through 2018-04-19 allows remote attackers to cause an information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted lnk file. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this as described in libyal/liblnk issue 33 on GitHub

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 52%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2018-06-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: liblnk project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-06-19 21:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:37 UTCUpdated Record last modified

liblnk project liblnk UPGRADE

Affected: <= 20180419

Fixed in: newer than 20180419

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 20180419 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade liblnk

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade liblnk

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2018-12096?

liblnk: upgrade to newer than 20180419. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-12096 being exploited?

CVE-2018-12096 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-2018-12096 affect?

CVE-2018-12096 affects liblnk. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). The liblnk_data_string_get_utf8_string_size function in liblnk_data_string.c in liblnk through 2018-04-19 allows remote attackers to cause an information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted lnk file. NOTE: the vendor has

How urgent is CVE-2018-12096?

Priority 31/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

GitHub vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-17401 LOW 3.3 DOWNGRADE libyal liblnk 20191006 has a heap-based buffer over-read in the network_share_name_offset>20 code block of lib
CVE-2019-17264 LOW 3.3 UPGRADE In libyal liblnk before 20191006, liblnk_location_information_read_data in liblnk_location_information.c has a
CVE-2018-12098 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE The liblnk_data_block_read function in liblnk_data_block.c in liblnk through 2018-04-19 allows remote attacker
CVE-2018-12097 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE The liblnk_location_information_read_data function in liblnk_location_information.c in liblnk through 2018-04-

References

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