GNU Bash OS Command Injection Vulnerability
n/a — n/a
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.
8.8
99.6%
Vector breakdown
- Attack vector
- Network
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Published
- Sep 30, 2014
- Modified
- Dec 30, 2025
- Added to KEV
- Oct 2, 2025
- Federal patch due
- Oct 23, 2025
CISA required action
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Weakness classification
Proof-of-concept & exploitation references
Weaponization
Public repositories whose name or description references CVE-2014-6278, found via a live GitHub search at request time. These are community-sourced signals, not a verified working exploit - cross-check each one before relying on it, and treat higher star counts and recent activity as (weak) corroboration, not proof.
No public GitHub repositories referencing CVE-2014-6278 were found at last check. Absence here is not proof no exploit exists - see the references below for vendor advisories and write-ups.
References
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 base score of 8.8 out of 10 (CVSS 3.1).
Is CVE-2014-6278 actively exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2014-6278 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added Oct 2, 2025, meaning CISA has confirmed evidence of active exploitation.
What is the EPSS score for CVE-2014-6278?
99.6% - meaning FIRST.org's EPSS model estimates a 99.6% probability this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within 30 days (100% percentile among all scored CVEs).
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2014-6278?
CVE-2014-6278 is classified under CWE-78 (CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')).
Cross-checked against
Impactr finds and proves whether CVE-2014-6278 - or flaws like it - are actually reachable in your own web apps and APIs, with a reproducible exploit as evidence.
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