CVE-2018-20451: The process_file function in reader.c in libdoc through 2017-10-23 has a heap-based buffer over-read that allo

Q: How do I fix CVE-2018-20451?

libdoc: upgrade to newer than 2017-10-23. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2018-20451 being exploited?

CVE-2018-20451 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-2018-20451 affect?

CVE-2018-20451 affects libdoc. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). The process_file function in reader.c in libdoc through 2017-10-23 has a heap-based buffer over-read that allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted file.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2018-20451?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference

This month

MEDIUM 6.5UPGRADE

CVE-2018-20451 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting libdoc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The process_file function in reader.c in libdoc through 2017-10-23 has a heap-based buffer over-read that allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted file.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2018-12-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libdoc project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-12-25 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libdoc project libdoc UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2017-10-23

Fixed in: newer than 2017-10-23

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2017-10-23 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libdoc

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-2018-20451?

libdoc: upgrade to newer than 2017-10-23. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-20451 being exploited?

CVE-2018-20451 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-2018-20451 affect?

CVE-2018-20451 affects libdoc. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). The process_file function in reader.c in libdoc through 2017-10-23 has a heap-based buffer over-read that allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted file.

How urgent is CVE-2018-20451?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-7233 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE In libdoc through 2019-01-28, doc2text in catdoc.c has a NULL pointer dereference.
CVE-2019-7156 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE In libdoc through 2019-01-28, calcFileBlockOffset in ole.c allows division by zero.
CVE-2018-20453 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE The getlong function in numutils.c in libdoc through 2017-10-23 has a heap-based buffer over-read that allows

References

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