CVE-2014-10072: In utils.c in zsh before 5.0.6, there is a buffer overflow when scanning very long directory paths for symboli

Q: How do I fix CVE-2014-10072?

zsh: upgrade to 5.0.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2014-10072 being exploited?

CVE-2014-10072 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2014-10072 affect?

CVE-2014-10072 affects zsh. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In utils.c in zsh before 5.0.6, there is a buffer overflow when scanning very long directory paths for symbolic links.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2014-10072?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2014-10072 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting zsh. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In utils.c in zsh before 5.0.6, there is a buffer overflow when scanning very long directory paths for symbolic links.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2018-02-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: zsh project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-02-27 22:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

zsh project zsh UPGRADE

Affected: < 5.0.6

Fixed in: 5.0.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy zsh || rpm -q zsh || zsh --version

2. UPGRADE to 5.0.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade zsh

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade zsh

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2014-10072?

zsh: upgrade to 5.0.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-10072 being exploited?

CVE-2014-10072 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2014-10072 affect?

CVE-2014-10072 affects zsh. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In utils.c in zsh before 5.0.6, there is a buffer overflow when scanning very long directory paths for symbolic links.

How urgent is CVE-2014-10072?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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