CVE-2014-5002: The lynx gem before 1.0.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users t

Q: How do I fix CVE-2014-5002?

lynx: upgrade to 1.0.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2014-5002 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5002 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-2014-5002 affect?

CVE-2014-5002 affects lynx. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The lynx gem before 1.0.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing processes.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2014-5002?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2014-5002 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting lynx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The lynx gem before 1.0.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing processes.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

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-255
Published	2018-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: lynx 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

lynx project lynx UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.0.0

Fixed in: 1.0.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade lynx

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-2014-5002?

lynx: upgrade to 1.0.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-5002 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5002 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-2014-5002 affect?

CVE-2014-5002 affects lynx. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The lynx gem before 1.0.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing processes.

How urgent is CVE-2014-5002?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

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References

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