CVE-2018-3952: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of NordVPN 6.14.28.0

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-3952 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting nordvpn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of NordVPN 6.14.28.0. A specially crafted configuration file can cause a privilege escalation, resulting in the execution of arbitrary commands with system privileges.

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	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 42%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78
Published	2018-09-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: nordvpn

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-09-07 15:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nordvpn nordvpn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 6.14.28.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.14.28.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 6.14.28.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nordvpn sudo apt install nordvpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.14.28.0> sudo apt-mark hold nordvpn

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

dnf --showduplicates list nordvpn sudo dnf downgrade nordvpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_6.14.28.0> sudo dnf versionlock add nordvpn

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-2018-3952?

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

Is CVE-2018-3952 being exploited?

CVE-2018-3952 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-2018-3952 affect?

CVE-2018-3952 affects nordvpn. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of NordVPN 6.14.28.0. A specially crafted configuration file can cause a privilege escalation, resulting in the execution of arbitrary commands with system priv

How urgent is CVE-2018-3952?

Priority 50/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2018-9105 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE NordVPN 3.3.10 for macOS suffers from a root privilege escalation vulnerability
CVE-2018-10170 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE NordVPN 6.12.7.0 for Windows suffers from a SYSTEM privilege escalation vulnerability through the "nordvpn-ser

References

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