CVE-2018-3847: Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in image parsing functionality of the CFITSIO libra

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-3847 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting cfitsio. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in image parsing functionality of the CFITSIO library version 3.42. Specially crafted images parsed via the library, can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker can deliver an FIT image to trigger this vulnerability and potentially gain code execution.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2018-08-01
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: nasa

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-08-01 19:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nasa cfitsio DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.42

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.42

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.42 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cfitsio sudo apt install cfitsio=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.42> sudo apt-mark hold cfitsio

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

dnf --showduplicates list cfitsio sudo dnf downgrade cfitsio-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.42> sudo dnf versionlock add cfitsio

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-2018-3847?

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

Is CVE-2018-3847 being exploited?

CVE-2018-3847 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-2018-3847 affect?

CVE-2018-3847 affects cfitsio. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in image parsing functionality of the CFITSIO library version 3.42. Specially crafted images parsed via the library, can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary da

How urgent is CVE-2018-3847?

Priority 57/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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CVE-2018-3848 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE In the ffghbn function in NASA CFITSIO 3.42, specially crafted images parsed via the library can cause a stack

References

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