CVE-2018-4022: A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way MKVToolNix MKVINFO v25.0.0 handles the MKV (matroska) file fo

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-4022 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting mkvinfo. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way MKVToolNix MKVINFO v25.0.0 handles the MKV (matroska) file format. A specially crafted MKV file can cause arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 25%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2018-10-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: mkvtoolnix

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-10-26 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mkvtoolnix mkvinfo DOWNGRADE

Affected: 25.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 25.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 25.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mkvinfo sudo apt install mkvinfo=<VERSION_BEFORE_25.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold mkvinfo

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

dnf --showduplicates list mkvinfo sudo dnf downgrade mkvinfo-<VERSION_BEFORE_25.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add mkvinfo

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-2018-4022?

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

Is CVE-2018-4022 being exploited?

CVE-2018-4022 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-2018-4022 affect?

CVE-2018-4022 affects mkvinfo. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way MKVToolNix MKVINFO v25.0.0 handles the MKV (matroska) file format. A specially crafted MKV file can cause arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

How urgent is CVE-2018-4022?

Priority 51/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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