# CVE-2018-16403: elfutils: libdw in elfutils 0.173 checks the end of the attributes list incorrectly in dwarf_getabbrev in dwarf_getabbrev.c and...

CVE-2018-16403 is fixed in 4 products on 1 platform, first by elfutils 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1, released February 8, 2019. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2018-16403
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a (Low)
- EPSS: 0.0112
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Sep 2, 2018

## Description

libdw in elfutils 0.173 checks the end of the attributes list incorrectly in dwarf_getabbrev in dwarf_getabbrev.c and dwarf_hasattr in dwarf_hasattr.c, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read and an application crash.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | elfutils Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) | 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1 | [elfutils 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-bionic-elfutils-0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1.md) | Feb 8, 2019 |
| Linux | libasm1 Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) | 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1 | [libasm1 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-bionic-libasm1-0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1.md) | Feb 8, 2019 |
| Linux | libdw1 Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) | 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1 | [libdw1 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-bionic-libdw1-0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1.md) | Feb 8, 2019 |
| Linux | libelf1 Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) | 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1 | [libelf1 0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-bionic-libelf1-0.170-0.4ubuntu0.1.md) | Feb 8, 2019 |

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Data as of 2026-11-07T12:40:37Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo