#VU252 Consuming excessive CPU resources on the target system in OpenSSH - CVE-2016-6515

Vulnerability identifier: #VU252

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 7.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-6515

CWE-ID: CWE-400

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
OpenSSH
Server applications / Remote management servers, RDP, SSH

Vendor: OpenSSH

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to consume excessive CPU resources on the target system.

The vulnerability exists in the crypt(3) function, which accepts passwords longer that 1024 characters in auth_password() function in the auth_passwd.c . A remote unauthenticated attacker can submit a very long string as a password and consume excessive CPU resources.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in denial of service.

Mitigation
Install the latest version of OpenSSH 7.3.

Vulnerable software versions

OpenSSH: 7.0p1 - 7.2p2

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External links
https://www.openssh.com/txt/release-7.3

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.