LiveActive security incident?Get immediate response
CVE Record

CVE-2018-8822: Incorrect buffer length handling in the ncp_read_kernel function in fs/ncpfs/ncplib_kernel.c in the Linux k...

Incorrect buffer length handling in the ncp_read_kernel function in fs/ncpfs/ncplib_kernel.c in the Linux kernel through 4.15.11, and in drivers/staging/ncpfs/ncplib_kernel.c in the Linux kernel 4.16-rc through 4.16-rc6, could be exploited by malicious NCPFS servers to crash the kernel or execute code.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Discuss exposureBack to CVEs
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-8822 is a Linux kernel flaw in NCPFS handling. If a vulnerable system connects to a malicious NCPFS server, the server could crash the kernel or potentially execute code. Business urgency depends on whether legacy NCPFS is enabled or used.

Executive priority

Treat as high priority only where NCPFS is present or legacy file-service connectivity exists. For modern systems without NCPFS use, urgency is lower, but kernel patch hygiene should still close the issue.

Technical view

The issue is incorrect buffer length handling in ncp_read_kernel in ncplib_kernel.c. The CVE covers Linux kernels through 4.15.11 and 4.16 release candidates through 4.16-rc6. The stated attacker position is a malicious NCPFS server, with impact described as kernel crash or code execution.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on older Linux systems that include or use NCPFS, especially clients connecting to untrusted or legacy NetWare/NCPFS servers. Systems without NCPFS use are less likely to be reachable through the described path.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or active exploitation evidence. The described exploitation context is client-side kernel exposure when interacting with a malicious NCPFS server, not a generic internet-facing service flaw.

Researcher notes

The source bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, and detailed fixed-version metadata. Analysis should stay tied to the CVE description and distro advisories. The key validation question is whether the vulnerable NCPFS kernel code can be reached in the environment.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply relevant Debian, Ubuntu, or vendor Linux kernel security updates.
  • Remove, disable, or avoid NCPFS where it is not required.
  • Do not connect vulnerable hosts to untrusted NCPFS servers.
  • Check vendor guidance for exact fixed package versions.
  • Prioritize legacy Linux systems that still mount NCPFS resources.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernels through 4.15.11 and 4.16-rc through 4.16-rc6.
  • Check whether NCPFS support is installed, loadable, or actively used.
  • Review mount configuration for NCPFS or NetWare file services.
  • Confirm applicable Debian or Ubuntu security advisory updates are installed.
  • Document compensating controls if kernel updates are delayed.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
10

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

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2018-8822 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

Open ATT&CK lookup
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
13Source 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.