CVE-2018-14634
Linux Kernel Integer Overflow Vulnerability
Linux Kernel
An integer overflow flaw was found in the Linux kernel's create_elf_tables() function. An unprivileged local user with access to SUID (or otherwise privileged) binary could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system. Kernel versions 2.6.x, 3.10.x and 4.14.x are believed to be vulnerable.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 26 January 2026. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 16 February 2026.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 14.7%, which is higher than 96.6% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2018-14634 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2018-14634.
What does CVE-2018-14634 affect?
CVE-2018-14634 affects Linux Kernel. An integer overflow flaw was found in the Linux kernel's create_elf_tables() function. An unprivileged local user with access to SUID (or otherwise privileged) binary could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system. Kernel versions 2.6.x, 3.10.x and 4.14.x are believed to be vulnerable.
How severe is CVE-2018-14634?
CVE-2018-14634 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 14.7%, higher than 96.6% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 16 February 2026.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2018-14634?
Apply the vendor patch for Linux Kernel as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.