CVE-2014-6278

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

In the wild

CISA lists this as exploited in real attacks. Treat as urgent.

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2014-09-09 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2014-09-30 10:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2025-10-02 Exploited in the wildAdded to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
4. 2025-10-23 Remediation deadlineCISA's due date for federal agencies to fix it
5. 2026-06-17 00:12 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: yes, CISA lists it. This puts it above everything that is not.
• Exploit odds: 99.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2014-09-30 10:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:12 UTC

Added to CISA KEV

2025-10-02

Exploit probability

99.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Gnu Bash 1.14.0
• Gnu Bash 1.14.1
• Gnu Bash 1.14.2
• Gnu Bash 1.14.3
• Gnu Bash 1.14.4
• Gnu Bash 1.14.5
• Gnu Bash 1.14.6
• Gnu Bash 1.14.7

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

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-2014-6278.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2014-6278. 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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