MEDIUM
CVE-2014-4616
CWE-129Published: August 24, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.9
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Array index error in the scanstring function in the _json module in Python 2.7 through 3.5 and simplejson before 2.6.1 allows context-dependent attackers to read arbitrary process memory via a negative index value in the idx argument to the raw_decode function.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2014-4616 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), with a CVSS base score of 5.9.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
openSUSE1 product(s)
opensuse
opensuse_project1 product(s)
opensuse
Python1 product(s)
python
simplejson_project1 product(s)
simplejson
Source: NVD CPE · 4 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
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 (18)
→
http://bugs.python.org/issue21529Issue Tracking · Vendor Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2014-07/msg00015.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/24/7Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2015-1064.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/68119Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=752395Issue Tracking · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1112285Issue Tracking · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://hackerone.com/reports/12297Exploit · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201503-10Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://bugs.python.org/issue21529Issue Tracking · Vendor Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2014-07/msg00015.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/24/7Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2015-1064.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/68119Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=752395Issue Tracking · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2014-4616
CVSS Score5.9 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-129
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 24, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-129)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2014-4616 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.