CVE-2017-12636: CouchDB administrative users can configure the database server via HTTP(S). Some of the configuration options include paths for operating system-level...

Description

CouchDB administrative users can configure the database server via HTTP(S). Some of the configuration options include paths for operating system-level binaries that are subsequently launched by CouchDB. This allows an admin user in Apache CouchDB before 1.7.0 and 2.x before 2.1.1 to execute arbitrary shell commands as the CouchDB user, including downloading and executing scripts from the public internet.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

90.60%

99.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache	Couchdb	< 1.7.0
Apache	Couchdb	2.0.0

References

Timeline

Published: Nov 14, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-12636?

CouchDB administrative users can configure the database server via HTTP(S). Some of the configuration options include paths for operating system-level binaries that are subsequently launched by CouchDB. This allows an admin user in Apache CouchDB before 1.7.0 and 2.x before 2.1.1 to execute arbitrary shell commands as the CouchDB user, including downloading and executing scripts from the public internet.

How severe is CVE-2017-12636?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-12636 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 90.60% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-12636?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.