CVE-2018-3972: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the Levin deserialization functionality of the Epee libr

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-3972 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting monero. 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 Levin deserialization functionality of the Epee library, as used in Monero 'Lithium Luna' (v0.12.2.0-master-ffab6700) and other cryptocurrencies. A specially crafted network packet can cause a logic flaw, resulting in code execution. An attacker can send a packet to trigger this vulnerability.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.7% (top 10%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2018-09-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: getmonero

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-09-26 12:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

getmonero monero DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.12.2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.12.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.12.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison monero sudo apt install monero=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.12.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold monero

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

dnf --showduplicates list monero sudo dnf downgrade monero-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.12.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add monero

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-2018-3972?

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

Is CVE-2018-3972 being exploited?

CVE-2018-3972 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-2018-3972 affect?

CVE-2018-3972 affects monero. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the Levin deserialization functionality of the Epee library, as used in Monero 'Lithium Luna' (v0.12.2.0-master-ffab6700) and other cryptocurrencies. A specially crafted network packet c

How urgent is CVE-2018-3972?

Priority 67/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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