CVE-2014-6271

GNU Bash through 4.3 processes trailing strings after function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to…

Browse: All 2014 CVEs · All vendors

CVSS score: 9.8 Critical
CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CISA KEV: Yes — actively exploited (added 2022-01-28, remediation due 2022-07-28)
Weakness (CWE): CWE-78
Published: 2014-09-24
Last modified: 2026-06-17
NVD status: Analyzed

Description

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.

Affected products

gnu bash
arista eos
oracle linux
qnap qts
mageia mageia
redhat gluster storage server for on-premise
redhat virtualization
redhat enterprise linux
redhat enterprise linux desktop
redhat enterprise linux eus
redhat enterprise linux for ibm z systems
redhat enterprise linux for power big endian

Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.

Required action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-07-28.

How to prioritize this

This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.

References

FAQ

Is CVE-2014-6271 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2014-6271 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2022-01-28, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-07-28. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2014-6271?

CVE-2014-6271 has a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Related vulnerabilities

Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.