HIGH
CVE-2018-14553
CWE-476Published: February 11, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
gdImageClone in gd.c in libgd 2.1.0-rc2 through 2.2.5 has a NULL pointer dereference allowing attackers to crash an application via a specific function call sequence. Only affects PHP when linked with an external libgd (not bundled).
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-14553 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-1/
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-2/
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-1/
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-2/
All References (18)
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-03/msg00020.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1599032Issue Tracking · Permissions Required
→
https://github.com/libgd/libgd/commit/a93eac0e843148dc2d631c3ba80af17e9c8c860fPatch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://github.com/libgd/libgd/pull/580Third Party Advisory
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/02/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-1/Third Party Advisory
→
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4316-2/Third Party Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-03/msg00020.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1599032Issue Tracking · Permissions Required
→
https://github.com/libgd/libgd/commit/a93eac0e843148dc2d631c3ba80af17e9c8c860fPatch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://github.com/libgd/libgd/pull/580Third Party Advisory
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/02/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2018-14553
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-476
CISA KEVNo
Affected5 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 11, 2020
Related CVEs (CWE-476)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-14553 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.