CVE-2018-20431: GNU Libextractor through 1.8 has a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the function process_metadata() i

Q: How do I fix CVE-2018-20431?

libextractor: upgrade to newer than 1.8; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2018-20431 being exploited?

CVE-2018-20431 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-2018-20431 affect?

CVE-2018-20431 affects libextractor, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). GNU Libextractor through 1.8 has a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the function process_metadata() in plugins/ole2_extractor.c.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2018-20431?

Priority 53/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

This month

MEDIUM 6.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2018-20431 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting libextractor, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

GNU Libextractor through 1.8 has a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the function process_metadata() in plugins/ole2_extractor.c.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-476
Published	2018-12-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · gnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-12-24 05:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu libextractor UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.8

Fixed in: newer than 1.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libextractor

Note

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

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

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-2018-20431?

libextractor: upgrade to newer than 1.8; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-20431 being exploited?

CVE-2018-20431 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-2018-20431 affect?

CVE-2018-20431 affects libextractor, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). GNU Libextractor through 1.8 has a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the function process_metadata() in plugins/ole2_extractor.c.

How urgent is CVE-2018-20431?

Priority 53/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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References

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