CVE-2012-6711

What it is

A heap-based buffer overflow exists in GNU Bash before 4.3 when wide characters, not supported by the current locale set in the LC_CTYPE environment variable, are printed through the echo built-in function. A local attacker, who can provide data to print through the "echo -e" built-in function, may use this flaw to crash a script or execute code with the privileges of the bash process. This occurs because ansicstr() in lib/sh/strtrans.c mishandles u32cconv().

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2019-06-18 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:48 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-06-18 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:48 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Bash ≤ 4.3
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 7.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2012-6711.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-6711. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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