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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2014-8517

HighPublic exploit

The fetch_url function in usr.bin/ftp/fetch.c in tnftp, as used in NetBSD 5.1 through 5.1.4, 5.2 through 5.2.2, 6.0 through 6.0.6, and 6.1 through 6.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a | (pipe) character at the end of an HTTP redirect.

Published Nov 17, 2014 · Updated Aug 11, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2014-8517

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2014-8517 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Mac OS X (Apple), Netbsd, tnftp (debian).
  • It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including tnftp 20130505-2, tnftp 20151004-1.3.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

CVSS v2

7.5

AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

69%

Higher than 99.3% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

No known

Not in a known-exploited catalog

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2014-8517 brief as a PDF

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Description

The fetch_url function in usr.bin/ftp/fetch.c in tnftp, as used in NetBSD 5.1 through 5.1.4, 5.2 through 5.2.2, 6.0 through 6.0.6, and 6.1 through 6.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a | (pipe) character at the end of an HTTP redirect.

Affected Products

37 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Mac OS XApple10.10.0, 10.10.1, 10.8.5, 10.9.5n/a
NetbsdNetbsd5.1, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 5.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2n/a
tnftpdebianSee advisory20130505-2

Patched Releases

tnftp

20130505-2, 20151004-1.3

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Nov 17, 2014

  2. Last updated

    Aug 11, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-77 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')

References

9 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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