IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2018-11138|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Quest KACE System Management Appliance Remote Command Execution Vulnerability

The '/common/download_agent_installer.php' script in the Quest KACE System Management Appliance is accessible by anonymous users and can be abused to perform remote code execution.

Published May 31, 2018 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. CISA has confirmed use of this vulnerability in known ransomware campaigns — treat as high priority for remediation. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-04-15 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a OS Command Injection (CWE-78) vulnerability in Quest KACE System Management Appliance. The '/common/download_agent_installer.php' script in the Quest KACE System Management Appliance 8.0.318 is accessible by anonymous users and can be abused to execute arbitrary commands on the system. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

🖼

Malicious file

🔓

Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running kace system management appliance: 8.0.318
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Used in known ransomware campaigns. Threat-research write-up: https://www.coresecurity.com/advisories/quest-kace-system-management-appliance-multiple-vulnerabilities

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-11138
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-11138
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