CVE-2018-3986

Name: CVE-2018-3986
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2019-01-03T22:29:00.37+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10EPSS 0.43%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-3986 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. An exploitable information disclosure vulnerability exists in the "Secret Chats" functionality of the Telegram Android messaging application version 4.9.0. The "Secret Chats" functionality allows a user to delete all traces of a chat, either by using a time trigger or by direct request. EPSS estimates a 0.43% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An exploitable information disclosure vulnerability exists in the "Secret Chats" functionality of the Telegram Android messaging application version 4.9.0. The "Secret Chats" functionality allows a user to delete all traces of a chat, either by using a time trigger or by direct request. There is a bug in this functionality that leaves behind photos taken and shared on the secret chats, even after the chats are deleted. These photos will be stored in the device and accessible to all applications installed on the Android device.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.43%

34.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-200

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Telegram	Telegram	4.9.0

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106295Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0654Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106295Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0654Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 3, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-3986?

How severe is CVE-2018-3986?

CVE-2018-3986 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.43% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-3986?

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-2018-3986?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST