CVE-2014-0017 in libssh
Summary
by MITRE
The RAND_bytes function in libssh before 0.6.3, when forking is enabled, does not properly reset the state of the OpenSSL pseudo-random number generator (PRNG), which causes the state to be shared between children processes and allows local users to obtain sensitive information by leveraging a pid collision.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0017 resides within the libssh library version 0.6.2 and earlier, specifically affecting the RAND_bytes function implementation. This flaw manifests when the library operates in a forking environment where multiple processes are created through system calls such as fork(). The core issue stems from improper state management of the OpenSSL pseudo-random number generator which is responsible for generating cryptographically secure random numbers required for various security operations including key generation and session management within SSH protocols. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in cryptographic implementation that directly impacts the security posture of any system relying on libssh for secure communications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the failure to properly reinitialize the OpenSSL PRNG state after process forking operations. When a parent process forks into child processes, each child inherits the parent's memory space including the state of cryptographic libraries. In the case of libssh, the RAND_bytes function does not reset the OpenSSL PRNG state in child processes, leading to predictable random number sequences that can be exploited by malicious local users. This behavior creates a scenario where multiple processes share the same PRNG state, fundamentally undermining the cryptographic security guarantees that random number generation is designed to provide. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to predict future random values based on observed sequences, effectively breaking the randomness required for secure cryptographic operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0017 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete compromise of SSH-based authentication mechanisms and secure communications. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform pid collision attacks, where they manipulate process identifiers to predict the random sequences generated by the PRNG. This weakness directly affects the generation of session keys, encryption parameters, and authentication tokens that are essential for maintaining secure SSH connections. According to the CWE catalog, this vulnerability maps to CWE-330: Use of Insufficiently Random Values, which classifies it as a cryptographic weakness that can result in predictable outputs from random number generators. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, as the vulnerability allows local users to gain access to cryptographic material that could be used to impersonate legitimate users or decrypt sensitive communications.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe in environments where libssh is used for critical infrastructure management, remote access services, or any scenario requiring secure cryptographic operations. Systems that rely on SSH for remote administration, file transfers, or secure communication channels become vulnerable to attacks that can compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in process management within cryptographic libraries and highlights the importance of proper state isolation when forking operations occur. Organizations using affected versions of libssh should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to version 0.6.3 or later, which includes proper PRNG state reset mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for potential pid collision attacks and consider implementing additional security controls around process creation and resource management to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.