PatchTheCVECVE-2018-25078: man-db before 2.8.5 on Gentoo allows local users (with access to the man user account) to gain root privileges
CVE-2018-25078 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting man-db. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
man-db before 2.8.5 on Gentoo allows local users (with access to the man user account) to gain root privileges because /usr/bin/mandb is executed by root but not owned by root. (Also, the owner can strip the setuid and setgid bits.)
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.4% (top 68%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-250 |
| Published | 2023-01-26 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2018-25078?
man-db: upgrade to 2.8.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2018-25078 being exploited?
CVE-2018-25078 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-2018-25078 affect?
CVE-2018-25078 affects man-db. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). man-db before 2.8.5 on Gentoo allows local users (with access to the man user account) to gain root privileges because /usr/bin/mandb is executed by root but not owned by root. (Also, the owner can strip the setuid and setgid bits.)
How urgent is CVE-2018-25078?
Priority 40/100. High severity; Public exploit reference