CriticalPublic exploit

Authentication Bypass in freeSSHd through 1.2.6

IdentifiersCVE-2012-6066CWE-287· Improper Authentication

freeSSHd.exe in freeSSHd through version 1.2.6 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability. Remote attackers can bypass SSH authentication by crafting a session, as demonstrated by using an OpenSSH client with modified ssh.c and sshconnect2.c files. The vulnerability is due to improper authentication checks in the SSH session handling code of freeSSHd.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the SSH service, potentially granting them full control over the affected system with the privileges of the SSH user. This can lead to further compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within the network.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Restrict network access to the SSH service using firewalls or access control lists to trusted hosts only. Monitor authentication logs for suspicious activity. Consider disabling freeSSHd if it cannot be secured or replaced.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade to a version of freeSSHd that addresses this vulnerability. If no patched version is available, consider replacing freeSSHd with a different SSH server that is actively maintained and not vulnerable to authentication bypass.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).

VALID 1 / 3 TOTALView more in app

freesshd_authbypass.rbMaturityWeaponizedFrameworkmetasploitVerified exploit

This repository contains a single Metasploit module (freesshd_authbypass.rb) that exploits an authentication bypass vulnerability in FreeSSHd for Windows (versions <= 1.2.6, CVE-2012-6066). The exploit targets the SSH service (default port 22) and allows an attacker to bypass authentication using only a valid username (which can be supplied or brute-forced from a wordlist). Upon successful authentication bypass, the module can execute arbitrary payloads on the target, including PowerShell commands or staged command execution via VBS or CMD. The module is highly weaponized, leveraging Metasploit's payload and session management capabilities. The code is written in Ruby and is structured as a standard Metasploit exploit module, with options for specifying the target port, username, and user file. The main attack vector is network-based, targeting the SSH service. The only fingerprintable endpoints are the SSH port (22) and the optional username wordlist file.

Disclosed Aug 11, 2010rubynetwork

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

FreesshdFreesshdapplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

No public activity tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

0 SOURCESView more in app

No public activity observed for this vulnerability.

What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.

Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity