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CVE-2017-14033: The decode method in the OpenSSL::ASN1 module in Ruby before 2.2.8, 2.3.x before 2.3.5, and 2.4.x through 2...

The decode method in the OpenSSL::ASN1 module in Ruby before 2.2.8, 2.3.x before 2.3.5, and 2.4.x through 2.4.1 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (interpreter crash) via a crafted string.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Ruby flaw can let a crafted ASN.1 string crash the Ruby interpreter when processed by OpenSSL::ASN1.decode. The stated impact is denial of service, not data theft or code execution. Business urgency depends on whether exposed applications parse attacker-controlled ASN.1, certificate, or cryptographic data using affected Ruby versions.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted stability risk for legacy Ruby systems, not a broad emergency. Remediate during normal vulnerability cycles unless a public-facing service parses untrusted certificate or ASN.1 data, where faster patching is justified.

Technical view

CVE-2017-14033 affects Ruby OpenSSL::ASN1.decode before Ruby 2.2.8, 2.3.x before 2.3.5, and 2.4.x through 2.4.1. The public description says a crafted string can trigger a buffer underrun and interpreter crash. Sources do not provide CVSS, CWE, or exploit-in-the-wild evidence.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in legacy Ruby applications or system packages that accept untrusted ASN.1-like input, certificates, keys, or protocol data. Current Ruby runtimes are unlikely to be affected, but older containers, appliances, and long-lived servers should be checked.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Public sources describe a denial-of-service condition requiring a crafted string to reach OpenSSL::ASN1.decode in an affected Ruby runtime.

Researcher notes

Evidence is limited to vendor advisories and the CVE description. The affected surface is the Ruby OpenSSL ASN.1 decoder, with impact described as interpreter crash. No CVSS vector, CWE mapping, or public active-exploitation confirmation is included in the bundle.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Ruby to 2.2.8, 2.3.5, or a later fixed vendor-supported release.
  • Apply distribution security updates from Debian, Red Hat, Gentoo, or your platform vendor.
  • Prioritize internet-facing services that parse certificates, keys, or untrusted cryptographic data.
  • Restart affected Ruby services after runtime or package updates.
  • If unsupported Ruby remains, isolate it from untrusted ASN.1 input.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Ruby versions across servers, containers, CI images, and packaged appliances.
  • Check for Ruby 2.2 before 2.2.8, 2.3 before 2.3.5, or 2.4.0 through 2.4.1.
  • Review code paths using OpenSSL::ASN1.decode with external or user-supplied data.
  • Confirm OS package advisories show the fixed Ruby build installed.
  • Run application regression tests around certificate and ASN.1 parsing behavior.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
10

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
10Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.