CVE-2018-20211

Name: CVE-2018-20211
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-01-02T18:29:01.373+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 1.38%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-20211 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. ExifTool 8.32 allows local users to gain privileges by creating a %TEMP%\par-%username%\cache-exiftool-8.32 folder with a victim's username, and then copying a Trojan horse ws32_32.dll file into this new folder, aka DLL Hijacking. NOTE: 8.32 is an obsolete version from 2010 (9.x was released starting in 2012, and 10.x was released starting in 2015).. EPSS estimates a 1.38% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

ExifTool 8.32 allows local users to gain privileges by creating a %TEMP%\par-%username%\cache-exiftool-8.32 folder with a victim's username, and then copying a Trojan horse ws32_32.dll file into this new folder, aka DLL Hijacking. NOTE: 8.32 is an obsolete version from 2010 (9.x was released starting in 2012, and 10.x was released starting in 2015).

Metrics

EPSS Probability

1.38%

68.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-427

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Exiftool Project	Exiftool	8.32

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/150892/Exiftool-8.3.2.0-DLL-Hijacking.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2018/Dec/44Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/150892/Exiftool-8.3.2.0-DLL-Hijacking.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2018/Dec/44Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 2, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-20211?

How severe is CVE-2018-20211?

Severity scoring for CVE-2018-20211 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 1.38% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-20211?

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-2018-20211?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST