CVE-2018-11529Vlc Media Player Use-After-Free
VideoLAN VLC media player 2.2.x is prone to a use after free vulnerability which an attacker can leverage to execute arbitrary code via crafted MKV files.
Published Jul 11, 2018 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2018-11529, DSA-4251-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2018-11529
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-11529 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.0 v3.1) affecting Vlc Media Player (Videolan), Debian Linux, vlc (arch).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 37% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Vlc Media Player <=2.2.8, vlc 2.1.6-0ubuntu14.04.5+esm1, vlc 2.2.2-5ubuntu0.16.04.5+esm1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
8.0
CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
37%
Higher than 98.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
61/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
3
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
VideoLAN VLC media player 2.2.x is prone to a use after free vulnerability which an attacker can leverage to execute arbitrary code via crafted MKV files. Failed exploit attempts will likely result in denial of service conditions.
Affected Products
18 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Vlc Media PlayerVideolan | See advisory | 2.2.8 |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 9.0 | n/a |
| vlcarch | See advisory | 3.0.3.r1-1 |
Patched Releases
Vlc Media Player
<=2.2.8
vlc
2.1.6-0ubuntu14.04.5+esm1, 2.2.2-5ubuntu0.16.04.5+esm1, 3.0.3-1-0+deb9u1, 3.0.3-1-1, 3.0.3.r1-1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 11, 2018
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2018-11529
- advisoryubuntu.com · CVE-2018-11529
- advisorycve.org · CVERecord
- advisoryubuntu.com · USN-4805-1
- advisoryDSA-4251
FAQ
Common Questions.
VideoLAN VLC media player 2.2.x is prone to a use after free vulnerability which an attacker can leverage to execute arbitrary code via crafted MKV files.
Affected: Vlc Media Player (Videolan); Debian Linux versions 9.0; vlc (arch). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Vlc Media Player <=2.2.8, vlc 2.1.6-0ubuntu14.04.5+esm1, vlc 2.2.2-5ubuntu0.16.04.5+esm1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2018-11529 On Your Attack Surface?
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