Description
The PKCS#11 feature in ssh-agent in OpenSSH before 9.3p2 has an insufficiently trustworthy search path, leading to remote code execution if an agent is forwarded to an attacker-controlled system. (Code in /usr/lib is not necessarily safe for loading into ssh-agent.) NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-10009.
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 | 1:9.3p2-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | openssh | 1:9.3p2-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | openssh | 1:9.2p1-2+deb12u1 | — |
| Debian 10 | openssh | 1:7.9p1-10+deb10u3 | DLA-3532-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 26.10 | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 25.10 | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | openssh | 1:8.9p1-3ubuntu0.3 | USN-6242-1 |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
Show 11 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | openssh | 1:8.2p1-4ubuntu0.8 | USN-6242-1 |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | openssh-ssh1 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS 20.04 LTS | openssh | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS 18.04 LTS | openssh | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS 16.04 LTS | openssh | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS-updates 20.04 LTS | openssh | 1:8.2p1-4ubuntu0.fips.0.8 | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS-updates 18.04 LTS | openssh | 1:7.9p1-10~ubuntu18.04.fips.0.8 | — |
| Ubuntu Pro FIPS-updates 16.04 LTS | openssh | 1:7.2p2-4ubuntu2.fips.2.10.4 | — |
| Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTS | openssh | 1:7.6p1-4ubuntu0.7+esm1 | USN-6242-2 |
| Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTS | openssh | 1:7.2p2-4ubuntu2.10+esm3 | USN-6242-2 |
| Ubuntu Pro 14.04 LTS | openssh | 1:6.6p1-2ubuntu2.13+esm1 | USN-6242-2 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 9 | openssh +4 | 8.7p1-30.el9_2 | RHSA-2023:4412 |
| RHEL 9 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.4-5.30.el9_2 | RHSA-2023:4412 |
| RHEL 8 | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-19.el8_8 | RHSA-2023:4419 |
| RHEL 8 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.19.el8_8 | RHSA-2023:4419 |
| RHEL 7 | openssh +7 | 7.4p1-23.el7_9 | RHSA-2023:4382 |
| RHEL 7 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-2.23.el7_9 | RHSA-2023:4382 |
Show 10 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 9.0 EUS | openssh +4 | 8.7p1-11.el9_0 | RHSA-2023:4329 |
| RHEL 9.0 EUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.4-4.11.el9_0 | RHSA-2023:4329 |
| RHEL 8.6 EUS | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-15.el8_6 | RHSA-2023:4413 |
| RHEL 8.6 EUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.15.el8_6 | RHSA-2023:4413 |
| RHEL 8.4 TUS | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-7.el8_4 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.4 TUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.7.el8_4.1 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.4 E4S | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-7.el8_4 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.4 E4S | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.7.el8_4.1 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.4 AUS | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-7.el8_4 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.4 AUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.7.el8_4.1 | RHSA-2023:4381 |
| RHEL 8.2 TUS | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.2 TUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.2 E4S | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.2 E4S | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.2 AUS | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.2 AUS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.5.el8_2 | RHSA-2023:4384 |
| RHEL 8.1 E4S | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-5.el8_1.1 | RHSA-2023:4383 |
| RHEL 8.1 E4S | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.5.el8_1 | RHSA-2023:4383 |
| RHEL 6 ELS | openssh +4 | 5.3p1-125.el6_10 | RHSA-2023:4428 |
| RHEL 6 ELS | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.9.3-125.el6_10 | RHSA-2023:4428 |
AlmaLinux
Errata ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux 9 | openssh +4 | 8.7p1-30.el9_2 | ALSA-2023:4412 |
| AlmaLinux 9 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.4-5.30.el9_2 | ALSA-2023:4412 |
| AlmaLinux 8 | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-19.el8_8 | ALSA-2026:69266, ALSA-2023:4419 |
| AlmaLinux 8 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.19.el8_8 | ALSA-2026:69266, ALSA-2023:4419 |
Rocky Linux
Errata ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Linux 8 | openssh | 8.0p1-19.el8_8 | RLSA-2023:4419 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 15 SP5 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLES 15 SP4 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLES 15 SP3 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLES 15 SP2 | openssh +1 | 8.1p1-150200.5.37.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2946-1 |
| SLES 15 SP1 | openssh +1 | 7.9p1-150100.6.31.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2947-1 |
Show 18 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 12 SP5 | openssh +1 | 7.2p2-81.4.2 | SUSE-SU-2023:2950-1 |
| SLES 12 SP2 | openssh +1 | 7.2p2-74.63.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2940-1 |
| SLES for SAP 15 SP3 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLES for SAP 15 SP2 | openssh +1 | 8.1p1-150200.5.37.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2946-1 |
| SLES for SAP 15 SP1 | openssh +1 | 7.9p1-150100.6.31.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2947-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP5 | openssh +1 | 7.2p2-81.4.2 | SUSE-SU-2023:2950-1 |
| SLE Real Time 15 SP3 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE Micro 5.4 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE Micro 5.3 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE Micro 5.2 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE Micro 5.1 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE HPC 15 SP3 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SLE HPC 15 SP2 | openssh +1 | 8.1p1-150200.5.37.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2946-1 |
| SLE HPC 15 SP1 | openssh +1 | 7.9p1-150100.6.31.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2947-1 |
| SUSE Manager Server 4.2 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SUSE Manager Proxy 4.2 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SUSE Enterprise Storage 7.1 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| SUSE Enterprise Storage 7 | openssh +1 | 8.1p1-150200.5.37.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2946-1 |
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | openssh | 9.3p2-1.1 | openSUSE-SU-2024:13063-1 |
| openSUSE Leap 15.5 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
| openSUSE Leap 15.4 | openssh +1 | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Leap Micro 5.3 | openssh | 8.4p1-150300.3.22.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 |
Alpine
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine v3.17 | openssh | 9.1_p1-r4 | — |
| Alpine v3.16 | openssh | 9.0_p1-r4 | — |
Amazon Linux
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Linux 2023 | openssh +3 | 8.7p1-8.amzn2023.0.7 | ALAS2023-2023-273 |
| Amazon Linux 2023 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.4-4.8.amzn2023.0.7 | ALAS2023-2023-273 |
| Amazon Linux 2 | openssh +7 | 7.4p1-22.amzn2.0.3 | ALAS2-2023-2176 |
| Amazon Linux 2 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-2.22.amzn2.0.3 | ALAS2-2023-2176 |
Azure Linux
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Linux 2 (CBL-Mariner) | openssh | 8.9p1-1 | — |
Oracle Linux
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Linux 9 | openssh +4 | 8.7p1-30.el9_2 | ELSA-2023-4412 |
| Oracle Linux 9 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.4-5.30.el9_2 | ELSA-2023-4412 |
| Oracle Linux 8 | openssh +6 | 8.0p1-19.el8_8 | ELSA-2023-4419 |
| Oracle Linux 8 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-7.19.el8_8 | ELSA-2023-4419 |
| Oracle Linux 7 | openssh +7 | 7.4p1-23.0.1.el7_9 | ELSA-2023-12711, ELSA-2023-4382 |
| Oracle Linux 7 | pam_ssh_agent_auth | 0.10.3-2.23.0.1.el7_9 | ELSA-2023-12711, ELSA-2023-4382 |
Wolfi
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfi rolling | openssh | 9.3_p2-r0 | — |
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.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
GitHub 10 repositories
-
kali-mx/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 53 · Aug 9, 2023
PoC for the recent critical vuln affecting OpenSSH versions < 9.3p2
-
LucasPDiniz/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 45 · Nov 9, 2023
Takeover Account OpenSSH
-
TX-One/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 7 · Apr 19, 2025
CVE-2023-38408 SSH Vulnerability Scanner & PoC
-
Adel2411/cve-2023-38408 ★ 5 · Jul 16, 2025
An in-depth analysis of CVE 2023 38408, a critical OpenSSH vulnerability, including technical background, exploitation in controlled environments, and mitigation strategies.
-
classic130/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 3 · Jan 7, 2024
CVE-2023-38408 Remote Code Execution in OpenSSH's forwarded ssh-agent
-
mrtacojr/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 1 · Jul 17, 2024
Script para eliminar vulnerabilidad de openssh de ubuntu 22.04 LTS
-
nonosticisiguzo-command/nmap-scan-results ★ 0 · Apr 12, 2026
Found 200+ vulnerabilities on scanme.nmap.org including CVE-2023-38408 (9.8 critical)
-
xitexploiter96-dot/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 0 · Jan 24, 2026
-
fazilbaig1/cve_2023_38408_scanner ★ 0 · Oct 17, 2024
Vulnerability Overview CVE-2023-38408 affects OpenSSH versions < 9.3p2 and stems from improper validation of data when SSH agent forwarding is enabled. When users connect to a remote server with ssh …
-
wxrdnx/CVE-2023-38408 ★ 0 · Feb 16, 2024
Slide and source code for CS-782 attack presentation
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 44
- ALSA-2023:4412 Important: openssh security update AlmaLinux Security Advisories · Oct 29, 2026
- ALSA-2026:69266 Important: openssh security, bug fix, and enhancement update AlmaLinux Security Advisories · Oct 29, 2026
- ALSA-2023:4419 Important: openssh security update AlmaLinux Security Advisories · Oct 29, 2026
- SSA-398330 SSA-398330: Vulnerabilities in the additional GNU/Linux subsystem of the SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU 1518(F)-4 PN/DP MFP >= V3.1.0 and < V3.1.5 Siemens ProductCERT · Oct 13, 2026
- WID-SEC-2023-1819 OpenSSH: Schwachstelle ermöglicht Codeausführung BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Sep 23, 2026
- WID-SEC-2024-3195 Oracle Communications: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Aug 11, 2026
- USN-6242-2 openssh vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 29, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4384 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4382 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4413 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4329 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4428 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4381 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4383 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4412 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2023:4419 Red Hat Security Advisory: openssh security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- USN-6242-1 openssh vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 27, 2026
- DLA-3532-1 openssh - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- RLSA-2023:4419 Important: openssh security update Rocky Linux Security Advisories · Feb 5, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2023:2946-1 Security update for openssh SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2023:2940-1 Security update for openssh SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2024:13063-1 openssh-9.3p2-1.1 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2023:2945-1 Security update for openssh SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2023:2947-1 Security update for openssh SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SCA-2025-0011 Vulnerabilities affecting Endress+Hauser SSG-E210GC SICK PSIRT · Oct 2, 2025
- ICSA-23-348-10 Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CISA ICS & IT advisories · Aug 12, 2025
- WID-SEC-2023-2625 IBM QRadar SIEM: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Aug 6, 2025
- SCA-2025-0009 Vulnerabilities affecting SICK TDC-E210GC SICK PSIRT · Aug 1, 2025
- SUSE-SU-2023:2950-1 Security update for openssh SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · May 2, 2025
- WID-SEC-2024-0064 Juniper Produkte: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Apr 10, 2025
- ICSA-25-105-08 ABB M2M Gateway CISA ICS & IT advisories · Apr 7, 2025
- 2NGA002579 ABB Arctic communication solution ARM600 Vulnerabilities ABB PSIRT · Apr 7, 2025
- WID-SEC-2024-1248 Xerox FreeFlow Print Server: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Nov 21, 2024
- NCSC-2024-0414 Kwetsbaarheden verholpen in Oracle Communications NCSC-NL (Netherlands) · Oct 17, 2024
- WID-SEC-2024-1082 Juniper JUNOS: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · May 9, 2024
- WID-SEC-2023-2679 Oracle Communications: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Oct 17, 2023
- WID-SEC-2023-2240 IBM AIX: Mehrere Schwachstellen BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Aug 30, 2023
- WID-SEC-2023-1843 OpenBSD: Schwachstelle ermöglicht Codeausführung BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Aug 30, 2023
- ELSA-2023-12711 Critical: openssh security update (Oracle Linux 7) Oracle Linux Security Advisories (ELSA) · Aug 10, 2023
- ALAS2023-2023-273 Important: openssh security update (Amazon Linux 2023) Amazon Linux Security Center (ALAS) · Aug 9, 2023
- ALAS2-2023-2176 Important: openssh security update (Amazon Linux 2) Amazon Linux Security Center (ALAS) · Aug 8, 2023
- ELSA-2023-4412 Important: openssh security update (Oracle Linux 9) Oracle Linux Security Advisories (ELSA) · Aug 2, 2023
- ELSA-2023-4419 Important: openssh security update (Oracle Linux 8) Oracle Linux Security Advisories (ELSA) · Aug 2, 2023
- ELSA-2023-4382 Important: openssh security update (Oracle Linux 7) Oracle Linux Security Advisories (ELSA) · Aug 2, 2023
References
- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36790196
- https://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-threat-research/2023/07/19/cve-2023-38408-remote-code-execution-in-opensshs-forwarded-ssh-agent
- https://www.qualys.com/2023/07/19/cve-2023-38408/rce-openssh-forwarded-ssh-agent.txt
- https://github.com/openbsd/src/commit/f8f5a6b003981bb824329dc987d101977beda7ca
- https://github.com/openbsd/src/commit/7bc29a9d5cd697290aa056e94ecee6253d3425f8
- https://github.com/openbsd/src/commit/f03a4faa55c4ce0818324701dadbf91988d7351d
- https://www.openssh.com/txt/release-9.3p2
- https://www.openssh.com/security.html
- GLSA-202307-01 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20230719 Re: CVE-2023-38408: Remote Code Execution in OpenSSH's forwarded ssh-agent mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20230720 Re: Announce: OpenSSH 9.3p2 released mailing-list
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/173661/OpenSSH-Forwarded-SSH-Agent-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- FEDORA-2023-878e04f4ae vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2023-79a18e1725 vendor-advisory
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230803-0010/
- [debian-lts-announce] 20230817 [SECURITY] [DLA 3532-1] openssh security update mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20230922 Re: illumos (or at least danmcd) membership in the distros list mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20230922 Re: illumos (or at least danmcd) membership in the distros list mailing-list
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213940
- https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/exploring-opensshs-agent-forwarding-rce-cve-2023-38408