LOW
CVE-2015-2157
CWE-200Published: March 27, 2015· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
2.1
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The (1) ssh2_load_userkey and (2) ssh2_save_userkey functions in PuTTY 0.51 through 0.63 do not properly wipe SSH-2 private keys from memory, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the memory.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2015-2157 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-200): Information exposure vulnerabilities leak sensitive data to unauthorized actors.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
Fedora1 product(s)
fedora
openSUSE1 product(s)
opensuse
putty1 product(s)
putty
simon_tatham1 product(s)
putty
Source: NVD CPE · 19 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (20)
→
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/changes.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/wishlist/private-key-not-wiped-2.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/changes.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2015-2157
CVSS Score2.1 / 10
SeverityLOW
WeaknessCWE-200
CISA KEVNo
Affected5 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 27, 2015
Related CVEs (CWE-200)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2015-2157 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.