CVE-2014-6278

CVE-2014-6278 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Bash with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2025-10-02). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Description

GNU Bash through 4.3 bash43-026 does not properly parse function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands 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. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-6271, CVE-2014-7169, and CVE-2014-6277.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2014-6278?
GNU Bash through 4.3 bash43-026 does not properly parse function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands 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. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-6271, CVE-2014-7169, and CVE-2014-6277.
How severe is CVE-2014-6278?
CVE-2014-6278 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2014-6278 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2014-6278 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2025-10-02, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-6278?
CVE-2014-6278 primarily affects Gnu Bash. In total, 28 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2014-6278?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2014-6278 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2014-6278 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2014-6163. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2025-10-02).
When was CVE-2014-6278 published?
CVE-2014-6278 was published on 2014-09-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (28)

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