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CVE Record

CVE-2018-11236: stdlib/canonicalize.c in the GNU C Library (aka glibc or libc6) 2.27 and earlier, when processing very long...

stdlib/canonicalize.c in the GNU C Library (aka glibc or libc6) 2.27 and earlier, when processing very long pathname arguments to the realpath function, could encounter an integer overflow on 32-bit architectures, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow and, potentially, arbitrary code execution.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a memory-safety flaw in glibc/libc6, a core library used by many Linux systems. On 32-bit systems running glibc 2.27 or earlier, an extremely long pathname passed to realpath could trigger memory corruption and potentially code execution.

Executive priority

Treat as a focused remediation item, not a broad emergency. The potential impact is serious, but the cited scope is constrained to 32-bit glibc 2.27 and earlier, and the bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation.

Technical view

In stdlib/canonicalize.c, realpath handling of very long pathname arguments can hit an integer overflow on 32-bit architectures. That overflow can lead to a stack-based buffer overflow. The source bundle identifies potential arbitrary code execution but provides no CVSS score or detailed affected package matrix.

Likely exposure

Most relevant exposure is 32-bit Linux or appliance environments using glibc/libc6 2.27 or earlier. The bundle also cites Red Hat, Ubuntu, Oracle, and NetApp advisories, so managed distributions and vendor appliances should be checked against vendor-specific guidance.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or other evidence of active exploitation. Practical risk depends on whether an attacker can influence very long pathname input reaching realpath on a vulnerable 32-bit glibc build.

Researcher notes

Useful review targets are code paths that pass attacker-controlled long paths into realpath on 32-bit builds. The public record is incomplete in this bundle: no CVSS, no CWE list, and no exploit-status evidence beyond advisory references.

Mitigation direction

  • Check vendor advisories for patched glibc/libc6 packages.
  • Prioritize 32-bit systems and appliances using glibc 2.27 or earlier.
  • Apply distribution or vendor security updates where available.
  • For unsupported systems, reduce exposure of pathname-processing attack surfaces.
  • Track affected appliances through NetApp, Oracle, Red Hat, and Ubuntu guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory 32-bit Linux systems and appliance firmware using glibc/libc6.
  • Verify installed glibc versions against vendor advisory fixed versions.
  • Identify applications accepting untrusted pathname input before calling realpath.
  • Confirm vendor patches are installed through package or firmware records.
  • Document unsupported systems requiring compensating controls or replacement.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
9

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2018-11236 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.