CVE-2001-0259 in SSH
Summary
by MITRE
ssh-keygen in ssh 1.2.27 - 1.2.30 with Secure-RPC can allow local attackers to recover a SUN-DES-1 magic phrase generated by another user, which the attacker can use to decrypt that user s private key file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0259 represents a critical security flaw in the ssh-keygen utility within SSH versions 1.2.27 through 1.2.30 when configured with Secure-RPC functionality. This issue stems from improper handling of cryptographic material during key generation processes, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that enables local attackers to obtain sensitive cryptographic data. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Secure-RPC extension is enabled, which was a feature designed to provide remote procedure call capabilities within the SSH framework.
The technical flaw manifests when ssh-keygen generates cryptographic keys with the Secure-RPC extension enabled, resulting in the creation of a SUN-DES-1 magic phrase that is inadvertently exposed to other users on the same system. This occurs due to insufficient access controls and improper memory management during the key generation process, where cryptographic material is not adequately protected from concurrent access. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in cryptographic implementation, specifically related to improper handling of cryptographic keys and secret values, which aligns with CWE-327 - Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm and CWE-259 - Use of Hard-coded Password.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for local attackers who can exploit it to recover another user's private key material through the exposed magic phrase. This compromise allows attackers to decrypt private key files that should remain protected, effectively undermining the entire cryptographic security model of the SSH system. The attack vector requires local system access but provides a path to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to encrypted data or systems that were protected by the compromised keys. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that align with ATT&CK technique T1552 - Unsecured Credentials and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediately upgrading to SSH versions that have addressed this issue, typically SSH 1.2.31 or later, which contain proper cryptographic material handling and access control mechanisms. System administrators should disable Secure-RPC functionality when it is not required, as this feature was the primary enabler of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access to key generation processes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and adherence to security standards such as those defined in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and the general principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten for secure coding practices. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable SSH versions and ensure that all cryptographic material is properly protected from unauthorized access through both physical and logical access controls.