Vulnerabilities
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CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2008-0166

Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)

Published: May 13, 2008 | Modified: Apr 09, 2025
CVSS 3.x
7.5
HIGH
Source:
NVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
CVSS 2.x
7.8 HIGH
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:N/A:N
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
CRITICAL
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Additional information
NVDhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-0166
CWEhttps://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/338.html

OpenSSL 0.9.8c-1 up to versions before 0.9.8g-9 on Debian-based operating systems uses a random number generator that generates predictable numbers, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct brute force guessing attacks against cryptographic keys.

Weakness

The product uses a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in a security context, but the PRNG’s algorithm is not cryptographically strong.

Affected Software

NameVendorStart VersionEnd Version
OpensslOpenssl0.9.8c-1 (including)0.9.8g (including)
OpensshUbuntudapper*
OpensshUbuntufeisty*
OpensshUbuntugutsy*
OpensshUbuntuhardy*
Openssh-blacklistUbuntudapper*
Openssh-blacklistUbuntufeisty*
Openssh-blacklistUbuntugutsy*
Openssh-blacklistUbuntuhardy*
Openssh-blacklistUbuntuupstream*
OpensslUbuntufeisty*
OpensslUbuntugutsy*
OpensslUbuntuhardy*
Openssl-blacklistUbuntudapper*
Openssl-blacklistUbuntufeisty*
Openssl-blacklistUbuntugutsy*
Openssl-blacklistUbuntuhardy*
Openssl-blacklistUbuntuupstream*
OpenvpnUbuntufeisty*
OpenvpnUbuntugutsy*
OpenvpnUbuntuhardy*
Openvpn-blacklistUbuntufeisty*
Openvpn-blacklistUbuntugutsy*
Openvpn-blacklistUbuntuhardy*
Openvpn-blacklistUbuntuupstream*
Ssl-certUbuntufeisty*
Ssl-certUbuntugutsy*
Ssl-certUbuntuhardy*

Extended Description

When a non-cryptographic PRNG is used in a cryptographic context, it can expose the cryptography to certain types of attacks. Often a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is not designed for cryptography. Sometimes a mediocre source of randomness is sufficient or preferable for algorithms that use random numbers. Weak generators generally take less processing power and/or do not use the precious, finite, entropy sources on a system. While such PRNGs might have very useful features, these same features could be used to break the cryptography.

Potential Mitigations

References

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