Description
OpenSSL 0.9.8c-1 up to versions before 0.9.8g-9 on Debian-based operating systems uses a random number generator that generates predictable numbers, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct brute force guessing attacks against cryptographic keys.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | openssh | 4.7p1-9 | — |
| Debian 14 | openssl | 0.9.8g-9 | — |
| Debian 13 | openssh | 4.7p1-9 | — |
| Debian 13 | openssl | 0.9.8g-9 | — |
| Debian 12 | openssh | 4.7p1-9 | — |
| Debian 12 | openssl | 0.9.8g-9 | — |
| Debian 4.0 | openssh | 1:4.3p2-9etch2 | DSA-1576-1 |
| Debian 4.0 | openssl | 0.9.8c-4etch3 | DSA-1571-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Exploit-DB 3
- OpenSSL 0.9.8c-1 < 0.9.8g-9 (Debian and Derivatives) - Predictable PRNG Brute Force SSH EDB-5720 · remote · Jun 1, 2008 · verified
- OpenSSL 0.9.8c-1 < 0.9.8g-9 (Debian and Derivatives) - Predictable PRNG Brute Force SSH (Ruby) EDB-5632 · remote · May 16, 2008 · verified
- OpenSSL 0.9.8c-1 < 0.9.8g-9 (Debian and Derivatives) - Predictable PRNG Brute Force SSH EDB-5622 · remote · May 15, 2008 · verified
GitHub 7 repositories
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g0tmi1k/debian-ssh ★ 409 · Sep 22, 2013
Debian OpenSSL Predictable PRNG (CVE-2008-0166)
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demining/Vulnerable-to-Debian-OpenSSL-bug-CVE-2008-0166 ★ 10 · Aug 26, 2022
Search for BTC coins on earlier versions of Bitcoin Core with critical vulnerability OpenSSL 0.9.8 CVE-2008-0166
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badkeys/debianopenssl ★ 7 · May 15, 2022
Private keys vulnerable to Debian OpenSSL bug (CVE-2008-0166)
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avarx/vulnkeys ★ 1 · Dec 31, 2018
Debian OpenSSL Predictable PRNG (CVE-2008-0166)
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FaizanAli8232/CVE-Exploit-Research-Development ★ 0 · Mar 18, 2026
A professional Python tool designed for educational penetration testing, demonstrating SSH vulnerabilities (CVE-2008-0166 / CVE-2008-1657) with interactive shell access, command logging, and automate…
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QasimShahbaz21/CVE-Exploit-Research-Development ★ 0 · Mar 18, 2026
SSH Exploit Tool (Educational Use Only) 📌 Description This tool demonstrates exploitation of: CVE-2008-0166 CVE-2008-1657 It connects to vulnerable SSH services and provides: Persistent interactive s…
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AhegaoPsyops/sslWeakness ★ 0 · Sep 25, 2025
Example script demonstrating a weak PRNG, CVE-2008-0166
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 2
- DSA-1576-1 openssh openssh-blacklist - predictable randomness Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-1571-1 openssl - predictable random number generator Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- DSA-1576 vendor-advisory
- 5622 exploit
- 30221 third-party-advisory
- [rsyncrypto-devel] 20080523 Advisory - Rsyncrypto maybe affected from Debian OpenSSL reduced entropy problem mailing-list
- DSA-1571 vendor-advisory
- 29179 vdb-entry
- 20080515 Debian generated SSH-Keys working exploit mailing-list
- 30239 third-party-advisory
- 30220 third-party-advisory
- USN-612-7 vendor-advisory
- 30231 third-party-advisory
- openssl-rng-weak-security(42375) vdb-entry
- http://metasploit.com/users/hdm/tools/debian-openssl/
- 30249 third-party-advisory
- 1020017 vdb-entry
- 5632 exploit
- USN-612-4 vendor-advisory
- USN-612-2 vendor-advisory
- TA08-137A third-party-advisory
- VU#925211 third-party-advisory
- 5720 exploit
- 30136 third-party-advisory
- USN-612-3 vendor-advisory
- USN-612-1 vendor-advisory
- https://16years.secvuln.info
- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40333169