CVE-2018-11138
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitThe '/common/download_agent_installer.php' script in the Quest KACE System Management Appliance 8.0.318 is accessible by anonymous users and can be abused to execute arbitrary commands on the system.
Published May 31, 2018 · Updated Aug 13, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-11138 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Kace System Management Appliance (Quest).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jun 13, 2019 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 92% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
92%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2018-11138 brief as a PDF
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Description
The '/common/download_agent_installer.php' script in the Quest KACE System Management Appliance 8.0.318 is accessible by anonymous users and can be abused to execute arbitrary commands on the system.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jun 13, 2019 | Apr 15, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 25, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Kace System Management ApplianceQuest | 8.0.318 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 31, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jun 13, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 25, 2022
Last updated
Aug 13, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- exploitMSF quest_kace_systems_management_rce.rb
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploithttps://www.coresecurity.com/advisories/quest-kace-system-management-appliance-multiple-vulnerabilities
- exploitExploitDB-44950
FAQ
Common Questions.
The '/common/download_agent_installer.php' script in the Quest KACE System Management Appliance 8.0.318 is accessible by anonymous users and can be abused to execute arbitrary commands on the system.
Affected: Kace System Management Appliance (Quest) versions 8.0.318. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jun 13, 2019 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 25, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 15, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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