HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2017-14491
CRITICALPOC

CVE-2017-14491

CWE-787Published: October 4, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in dnsmasq before 2.78 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted DNS response.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2017-14491 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 9.8.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2017-14491. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-787): Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities can lead to data corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

arista1 product(s)
eos
arubanetworks1 product(s)
arubaos
Canonical1 product(s)
ubuntu linux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
Huawei2 product(s)
honor v9 play firmwarehonor v9 play
Microsoft1 product(s)
windows
nvidia4 product(s)
linux for tegrajetson tk1jetson tx1geforce experience
openSUSE1 product(s)
leap
Red Hat3 product(s)
enterprise linux desktopenterprise linux serverenterprise linux workstation
siemens8 product(s)
ruggedcom rm1224 firmwareruggedcom rm1224scalance m-800 firmwarescalance m-800scalance s615 firmwarescalance s615scalance w1750d firmwarescalance w1750d
SUSE3 product(s)
linux enterprise debuginfolinux enterprise point of salelinux enterprise server
synology2 product(s)
router managerdiskstation manager
thekelleys1 product(s)
dnsmasq
Source: NVD CPE · 42 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (80)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2017-14491
CVSS Score9.8 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-787
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected13 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 4, 2017

Related CVEs (CWE-787)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2017-14491 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.