CVE-2016-8858
The kex_input_kexinit function in kex.c in OpenSSH 6.x and 7.x through 7.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by...
- Published
- Dec 9, 2016
- Updated
- May 29, 2026
- Assigning CNA
- mitre
- Evidence observed
- Aug 8, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:HModerate · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 98.2%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
Summary
The kex_input_kexinit function in kex.c in OpenSSH 6.x and 7.x through 7.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by sending many duplicate KEXINIT requests. NOTE: a third party reports that "OpenSSH upstream does not consider this as a security issue."
Sources
1- kexkillPoC
SSH KEXINIT flood tool exploiting CVE-2016-8858 to trigger memory exhaustion in vulnerable OpenSSH servers. Proof-of-concept for denial-of-service testing.
Responsible use
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