MEDIUM
CVE-2012-2251
CWE-20Published: January 11, 2013· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
4.4
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
rssh 2.3.2, as used by Debian, Fedora, and others, when the rsync protocol is enabled, allows local users to bypass intended restricted shell access via a (1) "-e" or (2) "--" command line option.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2012-2251 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityP
AvailabilityP
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
Fedora1 product(s)
fedora
pizzashack1 product(s)
rssh
Source: NVD CPE · 3 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
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Rapid7 / Metasploit
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Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (14)
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/51307Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/51307Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2012-2251
CVSS Score4.4 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-20
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 11, 2013
Related CVEs (CWE-20)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2012-2251 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.