CVE-2015-7974

What it is

NTP 4.x before 4.2.8p6 and 4.3.x before 4.3.90 do not verify peer associations of symmetric keys when authenticating packets, which might allow remote attackers to conduct impersonation attacks via an arbitrary trusted key, aka a "skeleton key."

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

5.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2016-01-26 19:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:33 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 5.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.7 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2016-01-26 19:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:33 UTC

Exploit probability

5.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-287 · Improper authentication

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Ntp < 4.2.8
• Ntp < 4.3.90
• Ntp 4.2.8
• Siemens Tim 4r-ie Firmware
• Siemens Tim 4r-ie dnp3 Firmware
• Netapp Clustered Data Ontap
• Netapp Oncommand Balance
• Debian Linux 8.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.7

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2015-7974.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2015-7974. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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