How severe is CVE-2014-7990?

CVE-2014-7990 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2014-7990 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2014-7990?

CVE-2014-7990 primarily affects Cisco Ios Xe. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2014-7990?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2014-7990 published?

CVE-2014-7990 was published on 2014-11-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2014-7990

CVE-2014-7990 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Ios Xe with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 6.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (26th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Cisco Ios Xe
Published: 2014-11-07
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Cisco IOS XE 3.5E and earlier on WS-C3850, WS-C3860, and AIR-CT5760 devices does not properly parse the "request system shell" challenge response, which allows local users to obtain Linux root access by leveraging administrative privilege, aka Bug ID CSCur09815.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2014-7990?: Cisco IOS XE 3.5E and earlier on WS-C3850, WS-C3860, and AIR-CT5760 devices does not properly parse the "request system shell" challenge response, which allows local users to obtain Linux root access by leveraging administrative privilege, aka Bug ID CSCur09815.
How severe is CVE-2014-7990?: CVE-2014-7990 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.8, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2014-7990 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-7990?: CVE-2014-7990 primarily affects Cisco Ios Xe. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2014-7990?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2014-7990 published?: CVE-2014-7990 was published on 2014-11-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:cisco:ios_xe:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:h:cisco:air-ct5760:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:h:cisco:ws-c3850:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:h:cisco:ws-c3860:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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