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CVE Record

CVE-2018-11508: The compat_get_timex function in kernel/compat.c in the Linux kernel before 4.16.9 allows local users to ob...

The compat_get_timex function in kernel/compat.c in the Linux kernel before 4.16.9 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via adjtimex.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-11508 is a Linux kernel information disclosure flaw. A local user could read sensitive kernel memory through the adjtimex path on affected kernels before 4.16.9. This is not described as remote code execution, but leaked kernel memory can weaken system isolation and support later attacks.

Executive priority

Treat this as a patch-management priority, not an emergency remote breach issue. It requires local access, but kernel memory disclosure can materially aid privilege escalation chains on shared or exposed systems.

Technical view

The issue is in compat_get_timex in kernel/compat.c. The CVE states local users can obtain sensitive kernel memory via adjtimex. Upstream fixed it before Linux 4.16.9, with Ubuntu advisories also publishing kernel updates. The provided sources include a public exploit reference, but KEV is false.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux systems running affected kernels before upstream 4.16.9 or vendor kernels that had not yet incorporated the fix. The sources specifically include Ubuntu advisories, but the core issue is in the Linux kernel rather than an application package.

Exploitation context

The evidence supports local exploitation only. The bundle includes an Exploit-DB reference, so public exploit material existed. There is no provided evidence of active exploitation, and the CVE is not marked in KEV.

Researcher notes

Do not assume all pre-4.16.9 vendor kernels are vulnerable without checking backports. Distribution kernels may carry fixes independently of upstream version numbers. The provided data lacks CVSS, CWE, and complete affected-version metadata.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply vendor kernel updates that address CVE-2018-11508.
  • Use kernels containing the upstream fix included before Linux 4.16.9.
  • Prioritize shared systems with untrusted local users or workloads.
  • Check distribution advisories for exact fixed package versions.
  • Limit unnecessary local shell access while patching is pending.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory running Linux kernel versions across servers and workstations.
  • Compare installed kernel packages against vendor advisory fixed versions.
  • Confirm rebooted systems are actually running the patched kernel.
  • Review shared-host and multi-user systems for higher urgency.
  • Record exceptions where vendor support status is unclear.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
8

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

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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

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