CVE-2021-40119

Name: CVE-2021-40119
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-04T16:15:09.36+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 2.42%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40119 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the key-based SSH authentication mechanism of Cisco Policy Suite could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to log in to an affected system as the root user. This vulnerability is due to the re-use of static SSH keys across installations. EPSS estimates a 2.42% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the key-based SSH authentication mechanism of Cisco Policy Suite could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to log in to an affected system as the root user. This vulnerability is due to the re-use of static SSH keys across installations. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by extracting a key from a system under their control. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to log in to an affected system as the root user.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.42%

82.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Policy Suite	< 21.1.0

References

Timeline

Published: Nov 4, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40119?

How severe is CVE-2021-40119?

CVE-2021-40119 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.42% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40119?

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-2021-40119?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST