CVE-2018-20482

tar: Infinite read loop in sparse_dump_region function in sparse.c

Published Dec 26, 2018 CVSS 3.1 · 4.7 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
GNU Tar through 1.30, when --sparse is used, mishandles file shrinkage during read access, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (infinite read loop in sparse_dump_region in sparse.c) by modifying a file that is supposed to be archived by a different user's process (e.g., a system backup running as root).

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-1623-1 tar security update
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-2830-1 tar security update
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2018-13036 GNU Tar through 1.30, when --sparse is used, mishandles file shrinkage during read access, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (infinite read loop in sparse_dump_region in sparse.c) by modifying a file that is supposed to be archived by a different user's process (e.g., a system backup running as root).
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4692-1 tar vulnerabilities
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
mitre
Published
Updated
Oct 14, 2026, 6:30 AM
Reserved
Dec 26, 2018, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Dec 26, 2018, 6:29 PM
Modified
Oct 14, 2026, 7:16 AM
Severity
Low
Public date
Dec 26, 2018, 12:00 AM