CVE-2017-12636
HighPublic exploitcouchdb - security update
Published Jan 21, 2018 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as SUSE-SU-2018:2578-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2017-12636
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-12636 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Couchdb (Apache).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Couchdb 1.7.0, Couchdb 1.2.0-5+deb7u1, Couchdb 1.7.2-2.8.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
91%
Higher than 99.8% 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-2017-12636 brief as a PDF
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Description
CouchDB administrative users can configure the database server via HTTP(S). Some of the configuration options include paths for operating system-level binaries that are subsequently launched by CouchDB. This allows an admin user in Apache CouchDB before 1.7.0 and 2.x before 2.1.1 to execute arbitrary shell commands as the CouchDB user, including downloading and executing scripts from the public internet.
Affected Products
14 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| CouchdbApache | 2.0.0, 2.0.0-rc1, 2.0.0-rc2, 2.0.0-rc3, 2.0.0-rc4, >= 1.2.0 to 1.6.1 | 1.7.0 |
Patched Releases
Couchdb
1.7.0, 1.2.0-5+deb7u1, 1.7.2-2.8.2, 2.1.1-1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 21, 2018
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.suse.com/1068386
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.suse.com/1100973
- advisoryhttps://lists.apache.org/thread.html/6c405bf3f8358e6314076be9f48c89a2e0ddf00539906291ebdf0c67@%3Cdev.couchdb.apache.org%3E
- advisoryGLSA-201711-16
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2017-12636
FAQ
Common Questions.
CouchDB administrative users can configure the database server via HTTP(S).
Affected: Couchdb (Apache) versions 2.0.0, 2.0.0-rc1, 2.0.0-rc2, 2.0.0-rc3, 2.0.0-rc4, >= 1.2.0 to 1.6.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Couchdb 1.7.0, Couchdb 1.2.0-5+deb7u1, Couchdb 1.7.2-2.8.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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