CVE-2014-3956

What it is

The sm_close_on_exec function in conf.c in sendmail before 8.14.9 has arguments in the wrong order, and consequently skips setting expected FD_CLOEXEC flags, which allows local users to access unintended high-numbered file descriptors via a custom mail-delivery program.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2014-06-04 11:19 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:09 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 1.9 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2014-06-04 11:19 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:09 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Freebsd ≤ 9.2
• HP Hpux ≤ b.11.31
• Fedoraproject Fedora 20
• Sendmail ≤ 8.14.8
• Sendmail 8.6.7
• Sendmail 8.7.6
• Sendmail 8.7.7
• Sendmail 8.7.8

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 1.9

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

None

Availability

None

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-2014-3956.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2014-3956. 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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