CVE-2018-4040: An exploitable uninitialized pointer vulnerability exists in the rich text format parser of Atlantis Word Proc

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-4040 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting atlantis word processor. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An exploitable uninitialized pointer vulnerability exists in the rich text format parser of Atlantis Word Processor, version 3.2.7.2. A specially crafted document can cause certain RTF tokens to dereference a pointer that has been uninitialized and then write to it. An attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted document in order to trigger this vulnerability.

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	1.0% (top 37%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-824
Published	2018-12-01
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: atlantiswordprocessor

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-12-01 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

atlantiswordprocessor atlantis word processor DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2.7.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2.7.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy atlantis-word-processor || rpm -q atlantis-word-processor || atlantis-word-processor --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2.7.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison atlantis-word-processor sudo apt install atlantis-word-processor=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.7.2> sudo apt-mark hold atlantis-word-processor

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

dnf --showduplicates list atlantis-word-processor sudo dnf downgrade atlantis-word-processor-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.7.2> sudo dnf versionlock add atlantis-word-processor

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-2018-4040?

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

Is CVE-2018-4040 being exploited?

CVE-2018-4040 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-2018-4040 affect?

CVE-2018-4040 affects atlantis word processor. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An exploitable uninitialized pointer vulnerability exists in the rich text format parser of Atlantis Word Processor, version 3.2.7.2. A specially crafted document can cause certain RTF tokens to dereference a pointer that has been uninitial

How urgent is CVE-2018-4040?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

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References

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