CVE-2018-5392: mingw-w64 version 5.0.4 by default produces executables that opt in to ASLR, but are not compatible with ASLR

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-5392 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting mingw-w64. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

mingw-w64 version 5.0.4 by default produces executables that opt in to ASLR, but are not compatible with ASLR. ASLR is an exploit mitigation technique used by modern Windows platforms. For ASLR to function, Windows executables must contain a relocations table. Despite containing the "Dynamic base" PE header, which indicates ASLR compatibility, Windows executables produced by mingw-w64 have the relocations table stripped from them by default. This

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 28%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-824
Published	2018-08-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): CERT/CC · Vendor: mingw

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-08-14 16:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mingw mingw-w64 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.0.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mingw-w64 || rpm -q mingw-w64 || mingw-w64 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mingw-w64 sudo apt install mingw-w64=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.4> sudo apt-mark hold mingw-w64

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

dnf --showduplicates list mingw-w64 sudo dnf downgrade mingw-w64-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.4> sudo dnf versionlock add mingw-w64

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-2018-5392?

mingw-w64: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-5392 being exploited?

CVE-2018-5392 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-2018-5392 affect?

CVE-2018-5392 affects mingw-w64. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). mingw-w64 version 5.0.4 by default produces executables that opt in to ASLR, but are not compatible with ASLR. ASLR is an exploit mitigation technique used by modern Windows platforms. For ASLR to function, Windows executables must contain

How urgent is CVE-2018-5392?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2018-1000101 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE Mingw-w64 version 5.0.3 and earlier, 5.0.4, 6.0.0 and 7.0.0 contains an Improper Null Termination (CWE-170) vu

References

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