MEDIUM
CVE-2014-0172
CWE-189Published: April 11, 2014· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
6.8
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Integer overflow in the check_section function in dwarf_begin_elf.c in the libdw library, as used in elfutils 0.153 and possibly through 0.158 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a malformed compressed debug section in an ELF file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2014-0172 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
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 VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityP
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
elfutils_project1 product(s)
elfutils
Source: NVD CPE · 6 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
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PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (12)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2014-0172
CVSS Score6.8 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-189
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 11, 2014
Related CVEs (CWE-189)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2014-0172 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.