CVE-2014-3120
HIGHCISA KEVEPSS 100th pctlDescription
The default configuration in Elasticsearch before 1.2 enables dynamic scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary MVEL expressions and Java code via the source parameter to _search. NOTE: this only violates the vendor's intended security policy if the user does not run Elasticsearch in its own independent virtual machine.
How to fix
TridentStack Control can deploy fixes like this automatically across your Windows, macOS, and Linux fleet. See how it works
Remediation is compiled from vendor and distribution security advisories. Always confirm against the linked source for your exact version and platform.
CVSS v3 Vector
Exploitability
Impact
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
Exploit Intelligence
Very high risk: more likely to be exploited than 100% of all known CVEs.
Elasticsearch Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Elasticsearch enables dynamic scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary MVEL expressions and Java code.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Remediation due: 2022-04-15
References
Related Vulnerabilities
Other CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) vulnerabilities, ordered by exploit likelihood. View all
| CVE | Severity | CVSS | EPSS | Exploited | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2023-27350 | Critical | 9.8 | 100% | KEV + Ransom | Fix |
| CVE-2019-1653 | High | 7.5 | 100% | KEV | - |
| CVE-2023-23752 | Medium | 5.3 | 100% | KEV | Fix |
| CVE-2023-38205 | High | 7.5 | 100% | KEV | - |
| CVE-2023-29298 | High | 7.5 | 100% | KEV | - |
| CVE-2024-27348 | Critical | 9.8 | 99% | KEV | Fix |
Common questions
How do I fix CVE-2014-3120?
Upgrade Elasticsearch to 1.2.0 or later.
Is CVE-2014-3120 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2014-3120 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which means exploitation has been observed in the wild. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 2022-04-15. Treat it as a priority whatever its CVSS score says.
How severe is CVE-2014-3120?
CVE-2014-3120 has a CVSS v3 base score of 8.1, rated high. CVSS rates the technical impact if the vulnerability is exploited, not how likely that is, so weigh it alongside the exploit-prediction score when you decide what to patch first.
What does CVE-2014-3120 affect?
Published advisories record a fix for Elasticsearch (Windows application). Only products with a sourced advisory are listed, so treat this as what we can cite rather than a complete inventory.
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This product uses NVD data but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS scores courtesy of FIRST.org (https://www.first.org/epss). Source: CISA KEV Catalog. Data as of 2026-04-22.