Is CVE-2018-6954 actively exploited?

CVE-2018-6954 has no public evidence of in-the-wild exploitation as of 2025-06-09.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2018-6954?

CVE-2018-6954 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH severity). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

How do I patch CVE-2018-6954?

Patch guidance is available from systemd project security advisories. CVEDatabase generates AI-assisted remediation guidance on demand for CVE-2018-6954.

Fix CVE-2018-6954 - HIGH systemd project systemd

Q: Which products are affected by CVE-2018-6954?

5 products: systemd project systemd, canonical ubuntu linux, canonical ubuntu linux, canonical ubuntu linux, opensuse leap.

Description

systemd-tmpfiles in systemd through 237 mishandles symlinks present in non-terminal path components, which allows local users to obtain ownership of arbitrary files via vectors involving creation of a directory and a file under that directory, and later replacing that directory with a symlink. This occurs even if the fs.protected_symlinks sysctl is turned on.

CVSS Metrics

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector: local
Complexity: low
Privileges: low
User Action: none
Scope: unchanged
Confidentiality: high
Integrity: high
Availability: high
Weaknesses: CWE-59 CWE-59

Metadata

Primary Vendor: SYSTEMD_PROJECT
Published: 2/13/2018
Last Modified: 6/9/2025
Source: NIST NVD
Note: Verify all details with official vendor sources before applying patches.

Affected Products

systemd_project : systemdcanonical : ubuntu_linuxcanonical : ubuntu_linuxcanonical : ubuntu_linuxopensuse : leap

Remediation Guidance

Executive Summary

Cite this page

CVE-2018-6954. CVEDatabase.com. Retrieved 1 May 2026. https://cvedatabase.com/cve/CVE-2018-6954

View on NIST NVD

CVE-2018-6954 vulnerability