MEDIUM
CVE-2014-4040
CWE-310Published: June 17, 2014· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
snap in powerpc-utils 1.2.20 produces an archive with fstab and yaboot.conf files potentially containing cleartext passwords, and lacks a warning about reviewing this archive to detect included passwords, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging access to a technical-support data stream.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2014-4040 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 ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
powerpc-utils_project1 product(s)
powerpc-utils
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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Rapid7 / Metasploit
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PacketStorm
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NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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All References (4)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2014-4040
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-310
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJun 17, 2014
Related CVEs (CWE-310)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2014-4040 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.