CVE-2018-16158

Name: CVE-2018-16158
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-08-30T05:29:00.443+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 34.93%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-16158 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Eaton Power Xpert Meter 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices before 13.4.0.10 have a single SSH private key across different customers' installations and do not properly restrict access to this key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to perform SSH logins (to uid 0) via the PubkeyAuthentication option.. EPSS estimates a 34.93% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Eaton Power Xpert Meter 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices before 13.4.0.10 have a single SSH private key across different customers' installations and do not properly restrict access to this key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to perform SSH logins (to uid 0) via the PubkeyAuthentication option.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

34.93%

98.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-798

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Eaton	Power Xpert Meter 4000 Firmware	< 13.4.0.10
Eaton	Power Xpert Meter 6000 Firmware	< 13.4.0.10
Eaton	Power Xpert Meter 8000 Firmware	< 13.4.0.10

References

http://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/news-insights/cybersecurity/security-bulletins/PXM-Advisory.pdfVendor Advisory
https://www.ctrlu.net/vuln/0006.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/BrianWGray/msf/blob/master/exploits/linux/ssh/eaton_known_privkey.rbExploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/news-insights/cybersecurity/security-bulletins/PXM-Advisory.pdfVendor Advisory
https://www.ctrlu.net/vuln/0006.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 30, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-16158?

How severe is CVE-2018-16158?

Severity scoring for CVE-2018-16158 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 34.93% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16158?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-16158?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST