CVE-2014-4040: snap in powerpc-utils 1.2.20 produces an archive with fstab and yaboot.conf files potentially containing clear

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-4040 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting powerpc-utils. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

snap in powerpc-utils 1.2.20 produces an archive with fstab and yaboot.conf files potentially containing cleartext passwords, and lacks a warning about reviewing this archive to detect included passwords, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging access to a technical-support data stream.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.8% (top 21%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-310
Published	2014-06-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: powerpc-utils project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-06-17 15:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

powerpc-utils project powerpc-utils DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.20

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.20

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy powerpc-utils || rpm -q powerpc-utils || powerpc-utils --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison powerpc-utils sudo apt install powerpc-utils=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.20> sudo apt-mark hold powerpc-utils

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

dnf --showduplicates list powerpc-utils sudo dnf downgrade powerpc-utils-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.20> sudo dnf versionlock add powerpc-utils

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.

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-2014-4040?

powerpc-utils: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-4040 being exploited?

CVE-2014-4040 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-2014-4040 affect?

CVE-2014-4040 affects powerpc-utils. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). snap in powerpc-utils 1.2.20 produces an archive with fstab and yaboot.conf files potentially containing cleartext passwords, and lacks a warning about reviewing this archive to detect included passwords, which might allow remote attackers

How urgent is CVE-2014-4040?

Priority 37/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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