CVE-2017-14491
CriticalPublic exploitHeap-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.
Published Oct 4, 2017 · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · Also known as A-158221622, ALPINE-CVE-2017-14491, ASB-A-158221622, DEBIAN-CVE-2017-14491, DLA-1124-1, DSA-3989-1, SUSE-SU-2017:2618-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2017-14491, USN-3430-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-14491 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Geforce Experience (Nvidia), Linux Enterprise Debuginfo (Suse), Linux Enterprise Point Of Sale (Suse) and 20 more products.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 85% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Eos 4.15, Arubaos 6.3.1.25, Dnsmasq 0:2.45-2.el5_11.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
85%
Higher than 99.7% 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-2017-14491 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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.
Affected Products
132 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Geforce ExperienceNvidia | See advisory | 3.10.0.55 |
| Linux Enterprise DebuginfoSuse | 11-sp3, 11-sp4 | n/a |
| Linux Enterprise Point Of SaleSuse | 11-sp3 | n/a |
| Router ManagerSynology | 1.1 | n/a |
| DnsmasqThekelleys | See advisory | 2.77 |
Patched Releases
Eos
4.15
Arubaos
6.3.1.25
Dnsmasq
0:2.45-2.el5_11.1, 0:2.48-5.el6_2.2, 0:2.66-14.el7_2.2, 2.45-1.1.0.1.el5_11, 2.48-18.el6_9, 2.62-3+deb7u4, 2.68-1ubuntu0.2, 2.72-3+deb8u2, 2.75-1ubuntu0.16.04.3, 2.76-2.14.amzn1, 2.76-2.el7_4.2, 2.76-2.ph1, 2.76-3.ph2, 2.76-5.amzn2, 2.76-5+deb9u1, 2.76-r1, 2.76-r2, 2.76-r5, 2.78-0.16.5.1, 2.78-0.17.5.1, 2.78-1, 2.78-13.1, 2.78-18.3.1, 2.78-6.6.1, 2.78-r0, 2.86-1.1, NA, 2.77
dnsmasq-utils
2.48-18.el6_9, 2.76-2.14.amzn1, 2.76-2.el7_4.2, 2.76-5.amzn2, 2.78-13.1, 2.78-18.3.1, 2.86-1.1
Honor V9 Play Firmware
jimmy-al00ac00b135
Geforce Experience
3.10.0.55
Linux For Tegra
r21.6
platform/external/dnsmasq
10:2021-03-01, 11:2021-03-01, 8.1:2021-03-01, 9:2021-03-01
Ruggedcom Rm1224 Firmware
5.0
Scalance M-800 Firmware
5.0
Scalance S615 Firmware
5.0
Scalance W1750d Firmware
6.5.1.5
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 4, 2017
Last updated
Oct 14, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
- advisorySUSE-SU-2017:2616
- advisorySUSE-SU-2017:2617
- advisorySUSE-SU-2017:2619
- advisoryopenSUSE-SU-2017:2633
- advisoryhttp://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4560
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Geforce Experience (Nvidia); Linux Enterprise Debuginfo (Suse) versions 11-sp3, 11-sp4; Linux Enterprise Point Of Sale (Suse) versions 11-sp3, among others. 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 Eos 4.15, Arubaos 6.3.1.25, Dnsmasq 0:2.45-2.el5_11.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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