CVE-2018-16149

Name: CVE-2018-16149
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-11-07T20:29:00.557+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.70%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-16149 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. In sig_verify() in x509.c in axTLS version 2.1.3 and before, the PKCS#1 v1.5 signature verification blindly trusts the declared lengths in the ASN.1 structure. Consequently, when small public exponents are being used, a remote attacker can generate purposefully crafted signatures (and put them on X.509 certificates) to induce illegal memory access and crash the verifier.. EPSS estimates a 0.70% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In sig_verify() in x509.c in axTLS version 2.1.3 and before, the PKCS#1 v1.5 signature verification blindly trusts the declared lengths in the ASN.1 structure. Consequently, when small public exponents are being used, a remote attacker can generate purposefully crafted signatures (and put them on X.509 certificates) to induce illegal memory access and crash the verifier.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.70%

48.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-347

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Axtls Project	Axtls	<= 2.1.3

References

https://github.com/igrr/axtls-8266/commit/5efe2947ab45e81d84b5f707c51d1c64be52f36cPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://sourceforge.net/p/axtls/mailman/message/36459928/Exploit, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/igrr/axtls-8266/commit/5efe2947ab45e81d84b5f707c51d1c64be52f36cPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://sourceforge.net/p/axtls/mailman/message/36459928/Exploit, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 7, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-16149?

How severe is CVE-2018-16149?

Severity scoring for CVE-2018-16149 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.70% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16149?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-16149?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST