CVE-2017-14492
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 IPv6 router advertisement request.
Published Oct 3, 2017 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2017-14492, DEBIAN-CVE-2017-14492, UBUNTU-CVE-2017-14492
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-14492 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Dnsmasq (Thekelleys), Ubuntu Linux (Canonical), Debian Linux and 4 more products.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 93% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Dnsmasq 0:2.66-14.el7_2.2, Dnsmasq 2.62-3+deb7u4, Dnsmasq 2.68-1ubuntu0.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
93%
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-2017-14492 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 IPv6 router advertisement request.
Affected Products
99 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| DnsmasqThekelleys | See advisory | 2.77 |
| Ubuntu LinuxCanonical | 14.04, 16.04, 17.04 | n/a |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 7.0, 7.1, 9.0 | n/a |
| Enterprise Linux DesktopRedhat | 7.0 | n/a |
| Enterprise Linux ServerRedhat | 7.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Dnsmasq
0:2.66-14.el7_2.2, 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
2.76-2.14.amzn1, 2.76-2.el7_4.2, 2.76-5.amzn2, 2.78-13.1, 2.78-18.3.1, 2.86-1.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 3, 2017
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
- CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow
References
- advisoryopenSUSE-SU-2017:2633
- advisoryRHSA-2017:2836
- advisoryRHSA-2017:2837
- advisoryhttps://access.redhat.com/security/vulnerabilities/3199382
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.suse.com/1035227
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 IPv6 router advertisement request.
Affected: Dnsmasq (Thekelleys); Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) versions 14.04, 16.04, 17.04; Debian Linux versions 7.0, 7.1, 9.0, 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 Dnsmasq 0:2.66-14.el7_2.2, Dnsmasq 2.62-3+deb7u4, Dnsmasq 2.68-1ubuntu0.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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