Description
In ncurses 6.1, there is a NULL pointer dereference at function _nc_parse_entry in parse_entry.c that will lead to a denial of service attack. The product proceeds to the dereference code path even after a "dubious character `*' in name or alias field" detection.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | ncurses | 6.1+20180210-3 | — |
| Debian 13 | ncurses | 6.1+20180210-3 | — |
| Debian 12 | ncurses | 6.1+20180210-3 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | ncurses | 6.1-1ubuntu1.18.04 | — |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTS | ncurses | 6.0+20160213-1ubuntu1+esm2 | USN-5477-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 14.04 LTS | ncurses | 5.9+20140118-1ubuntu1+esm2 | USN-5477-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 15 | ncurses | 6.1-5.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2018:4000-1 |
| SLES 12 SP4 | ncurses | 5.9-61.1 | SUSE-SU-2018:3967-1 |
| SLES 12 SP3 | ncurses | 5.9-61.1 | SUSE-SU-2018:3967-1 |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 12 SP4 | ncurses | 5.9-61.1 | SUSE-SU-2018:3967-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP3 | ncurses | 5.9-61.1 | SUSE-SU-2018:3967-1 |
Advisories 3
- USN-5477-1 ncurses vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 29, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2018:3967-1 Security update for ncurses SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2018:4000-1 Security update for ncurses SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026