Is CVE-2017-14459 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2017-14459, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2017-14459 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2017-14459 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2017-14459?

CVE-2017-14459 has a CVSS score of 10.0 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICALPOC

CVE-2017-14459

CWE-78Published: April 11, 2018· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

10.0

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

An exploitable OS Command Injection vulnerability exists in the Telnet, SSH, and console login functionality of Moxa AWK-3131A Industrial IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless AP/bridge/client in firmware versions 1.4 to 1.7 (current). An attacker can inject commands via the username parameter of several services (SSH, Telnet, console), resulting in remote, unauthenticated, root-level operating system command execution.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2017-14459 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), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 10.0.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2017-14459. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.