CVE-2019-1731

What it is

A vulnerability in the SSH CLI key management functionality of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to expose a user's private SSH key to all authenticated users on the targeted device. The attacker must authenticate with valid administrator device credentials. The vulnerability is due to incomplete error handling if a specific error type occurs during the SSH key export. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the device and entering a crafted command at the CLI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to expose a user's private SSH key. In addition, a similar type of error in the SSH key import could cause the passphrase-protected private SSH key to be imported unintentionally.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure.

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. 2019-05-15 17:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:29 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: 4.4 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-05-15 17:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:29 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco nx-os < 7.0\(3\)i4\(9\)
• Cisco nx-os < 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\)
• Cisco nx-os < 6.0\(2\)a8\(10\)
• Cisco nx-os < 7.3\(4\)n1\(1\)
• Cisco nx-os < 7.0\(3\)f3\(5\)

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

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-2019-1731.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-1731. 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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