CVE-2017-17562
HighExploitedPublic exploitEmbedthis GoAhead before 3.6.5 allows remote code execution if CGI is enabled and a CGI program is dynamically linked.
Published Dec 12, 2017 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-17562 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1 v3.1) affecting Goahead (Embedthis), Integrated Lights Out Manager (Oracle).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 14, 2020. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Goahead 3.6.5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
96%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2017-17562 brief as a PDF
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Description
Embedthis GoAhead before 3.6.5 allows remote code execution if CGI is enabled and a CGI program is dynamically linked. This is a result of initializing the environment of forked CGI scripts using untrusted HTTP request parameters in the cgiHandler function in cgi.c. When combined with the glibc dynamic linker, this behaviour can be abused for remote code execution using special parameter names such as LD_PRELOAD. An attacker can POST their shared object payload in the body of the request, and reference it using /proc/self/fd/0.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Jun 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 14, 2020 | Jun 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Jun 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Dec 10, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| GoaheadEmbedthis | See advisory | 3.6.5 |
| Integrated Lights Out ManagerOracle | 3.0, 4.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Goahead
3.6.5
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 12, 2017
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 14, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Dec 10, 2021
Last updated
Apr 21, 2026
References
- advisoryhttps://github.com/elttam/advisories/tree/master/CVE-2017-17562
- advisoryhttps://github.com/embedthis/goahead/issues/249
- advisory1040702
- patchhttps://github.com/embedthis/goahead/commit/6f786c123196eb622625a920d54048629a7caa74
- patchhttps://www.elttam.com.au/blog/goahead/
FAQ
Common Questions.
Embedthis GoAhead before 3.6.5 allows remote code execution if CGI is enabled and a CGI program is dynamically linked.
Affected: Goahead (Embedthis); Integrated Lights Out Manager (Oracle) versions 3.0, 4.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 14, 2020.
Yes. It was added on Dec 10, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 10, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Goahead 3.6.5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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