CVE-2014-2994: Stack-based buffer overflow in Acunetix Web Vulnerability Scanner (WVS) 8 build 20120704 allows remote attacke

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-2994 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting web vulnerability scanner. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in Acunetix Web Vulnerability Scanner (WVS) 8 build 20120704 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTML file containing an IMG element with a long URL (src attribute).

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	23.3% (top 2%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2014-04-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: acunetix

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-04-27 04:32 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

acunetix web vulnerability scanner DOWNGRADE

Affected: 8 build_20120704

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy web-vulnerability-scanner || rpm -q web-vulnerability-scanner || web-vulnerability-scanner --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison web-vulnerability-scanner sudo apt install web-vulnerability-scanner=<VERSION_BEFORE_8> sudo apt-mark hold web-vulnerability-scanner

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list web-vulnerability-scanner sudo dnf downgrade web-vulnerability-scanner-<VERSION_BEFORE_8> sudo dnf versionlock add web-vulnerability-scanner

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Acunetix 8 build 20120704 - Remote Stack Overflow

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-2014-2994?

web vulnerability scanner: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-2994 being exploited?

CVE-2014-2994 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-2014-2994 affect?

CVE-2014-2994 affects web vulnerability scanner. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Stack-based buffer overflow in Acunetix Web Vulnerability Scanner (WVS) 8 build 20120704 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTML file containing an IMG element with a long URL (src attribute).

How urgent is CVE-2014-2994?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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