CVE-2014-3556

What it is

The STARTTLS implementation in mail/ngx_mail_smtp_handler.c in the SMTP proxy in nginx 1.5.x and 1.6.x before 1.6.1 and 1.7.x before 1.7.4 does not properly restrict I/O buffering, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to insert commands into encrypted SMTP sessions by sending a cleartext command that is processed after TLS is in place, related to a "plaintext command injection" attack, a similar issue to CVE-2011-0411.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

7.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2014-12-29 20:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:08 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 7.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2014-12-29 20:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:08 UTC

Exploit probability

7.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-77 · Command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• f5 nginx < 1.6.1
• f5 nginx < 1.7.4

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 6.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

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-2014-3556.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2014-3556. 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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