CVE-2025-14821
libssh: libssh: Insecure default configuration leads to local man-in-the-middle attacks on Windows
Severity
LowRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · February 11, 2026
Updated · August 31, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in libssh. This vulnerability allows local man-in-the-middle attacks, security downgrades of SSH (Secure Shell) connections, and manipulation of trusted host information, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SSH communications via an insecure default configuration on Windows systems where the library automatically loads configuration files from the C:\etc directory, which can be created and modified by unprivileged local users.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated Low for Red Hat products. The flaw in libssh is specific to its insecure default configuration on Windows systems, where it loads configuration from the C:\etc directory. Red Hat's Linux-based products do not utilize this configuration path, and therefore are not affected by this vulnerability.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.8CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CWE-427 · Uncontrolled Search Path Element