CVE-2018-14665: High severity X.Org xorg-server vulnerability

Published Oct 10, 2018
·
Updated

A flaw was found in xorg-x11-server before 1.20.3. An incorrect permission check for -modulepath and -logfile options when starting Xorg. X server allows unprivileged users with the ability to log in to the system via physical console to escalate their privileges and run arbitrary code under root privileges.

Other sources

The X.org X11 server has a vulnerability that allows local users to escalate to full root privileges. The /usr/bin/Xorg setuid binary shipped in the xorg-x11-server-Xorg package allows for arbitrary file creation with certain parameters, allowing attackers with low privilege access to overwrite system files and subsequently execute arbitrary code.

Red Hat

Affected Software

14 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/xorg-x11-server<1.20.3
1.20.3
X.Org xorg-server<1.20.3
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Tus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=7.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.10
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
X.Org X Server<1.20.3
debian/xorg-server
2:1.20.11-1+deb11u132:1.20.11-1+deb11u172:21.1.7-3+deb12u112:21.1.16-1.3+deb13u12:21.1.21-1

Event History

Oct 25, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·10:52 PM
Description
Sep 6, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:31 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 20, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·05:09 PM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2018-14665?

CVE-2018-14665 is a vulnerability in xorg-x11-server before version 1.20.3 that allows unprivileged users to escalate their privileges and run arbitrary code under root.

2

How severe is CVE-2018-14665?

CVE-2018-14665 is considered a high severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.6.

3

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2018-14665?

xorg-x11-server versions up to but excluding 1.20.3 are affected by CVE-2018-14665.

4

How can I fix CVE-2018-14665?

To fix CVE-2018-14665, update xorg-x11-server to version 1.20.3 or later.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2018-14665?

You can find more information about CVE-2018-14665 at the following references: [Packetstorm Security 1](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154942/Xorg-X11-Server-SUID-modulepath-Privilege-Escalation.html), [Packetstorm Security 2](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155276/Xorg-X11-Server-Local-Privilege-Escalation.html), [SecurityFocus](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105741).

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