MEDIUM
CVE-2017-9079
CWE-732Published: May 19, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
4.7
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Dropbear before 2017.75 might allow local users to read certain files as root, if the file has the authorized_keys file format with a command= option. This occurs because ~/.ssh/authorized_keys is read with root privileges and symlinks are followed.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-9079 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), with a CVSS base score of 4.7.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
dropbear_ssh_project1 product(s)
dropbear ssh
Source: NVD CPE · 2 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 (6)
→
http://lists.ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au/pipermail/dropbear/2017q2/001985.htmlMailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3859Third Party Advisory
→
http://lists.ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au/pipermail/dropbear/2017q2/001985.htmlMailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3859Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2017-9079
CVSS Score4.7 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-732
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedMay 19, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-732)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2017-9079 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. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.