CVE-2018-25220 Bochs 2.6-5 Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution

Critical 9.3 Published 28 Mar 2026 Updated 30 Mar 2026

Attackers can execute arbitrary code via a stack-based buffer overflow in Bochs by supplying oversized input strings.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2018-25220?

CVE-2018-25220 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in BOCHS, published on 28 Mar 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Bochs 2.6-5 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying an oversized input string to the application. Attackers can craft a malicious payload with 1200 bytes of padding followed by a return-oriented programming chain to overwrite the instruction pointer and execute shell commands with application privileges.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2018-25220?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Bochs Project Bochs.

How do I fix CVE-2018-25220?

No fix has been published for CVE-2018-25220 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2018-25220 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2018-25220 exists.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-fx87-p9wh-85gp, UBUNTU-CVE-2018-25220.