CVE-2018-18443: OpenEXR 2.3.0 has a memory leak in ThreadPool in IlmBase/IlmThread/IlmThreadPool.cpp, as demonstrated by exrmu

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MEDIUM 4.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-18443 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting openexr. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenEXR 2.3.0 has a memory leak in ThreadPool in IlmBase/IlmThread/IlmThreadPool.cpp, as demonstrated by exrmultiview.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-772
Published	2018-10-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ilm

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-10-17 19:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ilm openexr DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openexr sudo apt install openexr=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold openexr

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

dnf --showduplicates list openexr sudo dnf downgrade openexr-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add openexr

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-2018-18443?

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

Is CVE-2018-18443 being exploited?

CVE-2018-18443 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-2018-18443 affect?

CVE-2018-18443 affects openexr. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). OpenEXR 2.3.0 has a memory leak in ThreadPool in IlmBase/IlmThread/IlmThreadPool.cpp, as demonstrated by exrmultiview.

How urgent is CVE-2018-18443?

Priority 40/100. Public exploit reference

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References

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