CVE-2014-6271 is a vulnerability in GNU Bash
Published on September 24, 2014

GNU Bash through 4.3 processes trailing strings after function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted environment, as demonstrated by vectors involving the ForceCommand feature in OpenSSH sshd, the mod_cgi and mod_cgid modules in the Apache HTTP Server, scripts executed by unspecified DHCP clients, and other situations in which setting the environment occurs across a privilege boundary from Bash execution, aka "ShellShock." NOTE: the original fix for this issue was incorrect; CVE-2014-7169 has been assigned to cover the vulnerability that is still present after the incorrect fix.

Vendor Advisory Vendor Advisory NVD

Known Exploited Vulnerability

This GNU Bourne-Again Shell (Bash) Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. GNU Bash through 4.3 processes trailing strings after function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to execute code.

The following remediation steps are recommended / required by July 28, 2022: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2014-6271 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. It has the highest possible exploitability rating (3.9). The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be critical as this vulnerability has a high impact to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this component.

What is a Shell injection Vulnerability?

The software constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

CVE-2014-6271 has been classified to as a Shell injection vulnerability or weakness.

Products Associated with CVE-2014-6271

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GNU Bash

What versions of Bash are vulnerable to CVE-2014-6271?