CVE-2018-13420: Google gperftools 2.7 has a memory leak in malloc_extension.cc, related to MallocExtension::Register and InitM

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-13420 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting gperftools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Google gperftools 2.7 has a memory leak in malloc_extension.cc, related to MallocExtension::Register and InitModule. NOTE: the software maintainer indicates that this is not a bug; it is only a false-positive report from the LeakSanitizer program

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-772
Published	2018-07-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gperftools project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-07-07 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:39 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gperftools project gperftools DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gperftools sudo apt install gperftools=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7> sudo apt-mark hold gperftools

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

dnf --showduplicates list gperftools sudo dnf downgrade gperftools-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7> sudo dnf versionlock add gperftools

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-2018-13420?

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

Is CVE-2018-13420 being exploited?

CVE-2018-13420 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-2018-13420 affect?

CVE-2018-13420 affects gperftools. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Google gperftools 2.7 has a memory leak in malloc_extension.cc, related to MallocExtension::Register and InitModule. NOTE: the software maintainer indicates that this is not a bug; it is only a false-positive report from the LeakSanitizer p

How urgent is CVE-2018-13420?

Priority 50/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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