CVE-2018-14665X Server Authorization Bypass
An incorrect permission check for -modulepath and -logfile options when starting Xorg.
Published Oct 25, 2018 · Updated Aug 7, 2026 · Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2018-14665, DEBIAN-CVE-2018-14665, DSA-4328-1, SUSE-SU-2018:3456-1, SUSE-SU-2018:3680-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2018-14665, USN-3802-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-14665 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.6 v3.1) affecting X Server (X.org), Ubuntu Linux (Canonical), Debian Linux and 22 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 1, 2020. A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
- EPSS estimates a 27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including rootio-xorg-server 2:1.20.3-1, X Server 1.20.3, xorg-server 1.19.5-r1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
6.6
CVSS:3.0/AV:P/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
27%
Higher than 98.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
54/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Oct 1, 2020
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
18
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
2
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 1, 2020 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
98 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| X ServerX.org | See advisory | 1.20.3 |
| Ubuntu LinuxCanonical | 16.04, 18.04, 18.10 | n/a |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 9.0 | n/a |
| Enterprise Linux DesktopRedhat | 7.0 | n/a |
| Enterprise Linux ServerRedhat | 7.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
rootio-xorg-server
2:1.20.3-1
X Server
1.20.3
xorg-server
1.19.5-r1, 1.19.6-r3, 1.20.3-1, 1.20.3-r0, 2:1.19.2-1+deb9u4, 2:1.19.6-1ubuntu4.2, 2:1.20.3-1
xorg-server-hwe-16.04
2:1.19.6-1ubuntu4.1~16.04.2
xorg-x11-server
0:1.20.1-5.1.el7, 1.19.6-8.3.2, 1.19.6-lp150.7.3.1, 1.20.13-1.2, 7.4-27.122.21.1
xorg-x11-server-common
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-devel
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-extra
1.19.6-8.3.2, 1.19.6-lp150.7.3.1, 1.20.13-1.2, 7.4-27.122.21.1
xorg-x11-server-sdk
1.19.6-8.3.2, 1.19.6-lp150.7.3.1, 1.20.13-1.2, 7.4-27.122.21.1
xorg-x11-server-source
1.19.6-lp150.7.3.1, 1.20.1-5.1.el7, 1.20.13-1.2
xorg-x11-server-wayland
1.19.6-8.3.2, 1.19.6-lp150.7.3.1
xorg-x11-server-wrapper
1.20.13-1.2
xorg-x11-server-Xdmx
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-Xephyr
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-Xnest
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-Xorg
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-server-Xvfb
1.20.1-5.1.el7, 1.20.13-1.2
xorg-x11-server-Xwayland
1.20.1-5.1.el7
xorg-x11-Xvnc
7.4-27.122.21.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 25, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 1, 2020
Last updated
Aug 7, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-271 Privilege Dropping / Lowering Errors
- CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization
References
- advisorysecurity.alpinelinux.org · CVE-2018-14665
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2018-14665
- advisoryubuntu.com · CVE-2018-14665
- advisorycve.org · CVERecord
- advisoryRHSA-2018:3410
FAQ
Common Questions.
A flaw was found in xorg-x11-server before 1.20.3.
Affected: X Server (X.org); Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) versions 16.04, 18.04, 18.10; Debian Linux versions 9.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 1, 2020.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
Fixed versions are available, including rootio-xorg-server 2:1.20.3-1, X Server 1.20.3, xorg-server 1.19.5-r1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2018-14665 On Your Attack Surface?
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