CVE-2014-4992: lib/cap-strap/helpers.rb in the cap-strap gem 0.1.5 for Ruby places credentials on the useradd command line, w

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-4992 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting cap-strap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lib/cap-strap/helpers.rb in the cap-strap gem 0.1.5 for Ruby places credentials on the useradd command line, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing the process.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 56%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2018-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: cap-strap project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-01-10 18:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cap-strap project cap-strap DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.1.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1.5

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy cap-strap || rpm -q cap-strap || cap-strap --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cap-strap sudo apt install cap-strap=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.5> sudo apt-mark hold cap-strap

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

dnf --showduplicates list cap-strap sudo dnf downgrade cap-strap-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.5> sudo dnf versionlock add cap-strap

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-2014-4992?

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

Is CVE-2014-4992 being exploited?

CVE-2014-4992 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-2014-4992 affect?

CVE-2014-4992 affects cap-strap. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). lib/cap-strap/helpers.rb in the cap-strap gem 0.1.5 for Ruby places credentials on the useradd command line, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing the process.

How urgent is CVE-2014-4992?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

References

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