CVE-2018-16837

What it is

Ansible "User" module leaks any data which is passed on as a parameter to ssh-keygen. This could lean in undesirable situations such as passphrases credentials passed as a parameter for the ssh-keygen executable. Showing those credentials in clear text form for every user which have access just to the process list.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2018-10-23 15:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:44 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-10-23 15:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:44 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-214

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Redhat Ansible Engine 2.0
• Redhat Ansible Engine 2.5
• Redhat Ansible Engine 2.6
• Redhat Ansible Engine 2.7
• Redhat Ansible Tower 3.3.0
• Debian Linux 8.0
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Suse Package Hub

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2018-16837.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-16837. 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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