Linux Kernel Integer Overflow (CVE-2018-14634) Privilege Escalation

Historical catalog analysis: CISA added this entry on January 26, 2026. The entry reflects catalog information retrieved on August 31, 2026, not a snapshot archived on the inclusion date. Check current vendor guidance before acting.

What the vulnerability is

CVE-2018-14634 is an integer overflow vulnerability (CWE-190) located within the create_elf_tables() function of the Linux Kernel. This flaw could allow a local user without administrative privileges to escalate their permissions on the system, provided they have access to a SUID or otherwise privileged binary.

Exposure and applicability

This vulnerability affects the Linux Kernel, a core component integrated into numerous distributions and third-party products. Because it is an open-source component used across diverse environments, exposure varies by vendor implementation. The primary attack vector is local; an actor must already have execution capabilities on the system to attempt the privilege escalation via the identified function.

Remediation priorities

Our analysis suggests that vulnerability management teams prioritize assets based on the presence of unprivileged local users and the existence of SUID binaries. We recommend the following priority sequence:

1. Inventory Identification: Identify all systems running the Linux Kernel, specifically noting those exposed to multi-user environments or third-party applications with SUID permissions.
2. Vendor Patch Application: Apply updates according to specific vendor instructions. Because this is a common component, generic kernel versions may not align with vendor-specific backports or patches.
3. Cloud Service Alignment: For assets hosted in cloud environments, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance to ensure the underlying infrastructure and guest OS are aligned with required security standards.
4. Decommissioning: If a vendor cannot provide a mitigation or patch for a legacy system, consider discontinuing use of the affected product to eliminate the exposure path.

How to validate remediation

Verification must go beyond a simple version check, as vendors often backport fixes into older version strings. To verify that exposure has been reduced, defenders should:

• Cross-Reference Vendor Errata: Compare the installed kernel build and patch level against the specific security advisory (e.g., RHSA) provided by the OS vendor.
• Verify Patch Application: Use package manager logs or system audit tools to confirm that the specific update addressing CVE-2018-14634 was successfully deployed and the system was rebooted to load the new kernel.

Limits and open questions

A deployed patch reduces the likelihood of this specific integer overflow being exploited, but it does not eliminate all local privilege escalation risks inherent in the kernel. Residual risk remains if SUID binaries are improperly managed or if other undiscovered vulnerabilities exist in the create_elf_tables() logic. It remains unknown whether this vulnerability has been utilized in known ransomware campaigns.

Source and editorial note

CVE-2018-14634: Linux Kernel Integer Overflow Vulnerability · Source date: January 26, 2026 · Retrieved August 31, 2026.

Material facts are tied to the cited primary source. Recommendations are independent defensive analysis unless attributed to the source. Confirm consequential decisions against current authoritative guidance.

Archive date: January 29, 2026. The displayed post date is assigned three days after the source date to organize this retrospective archive; it does not mean this site published the analysis then. First published by this site: September 22, 2026 at 01:08 UTC.

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