How severe is CVE-2017-5242?

CVE-2017-5242 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2017-5242 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-5242?

CVE-2017-5242 affects Rapid7 Insightvm. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-5242?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2017-5242 published?

CVE-2017-5242 was published on 2023-01-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-5242

CVE-2017-5242 is a high-severity vulnerability in Rapid7 Insightvm with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-330.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.7)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (30th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-330
Affected product: Rapid7 Insightvm
Published: 2023-01-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Nexpose and InsightVM virtual appliances downloaded between April 5th, 2017 and May 3rd, 2017 contain identical SSH host keys. Normally, a unique SSH host key should be generated the first time a virtual appliance boots.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-5242?: Nexpose and InsightVM virtual appliances downloaded between April 5th, 2017 and May 3rd, 2017 contain identical SSH host keys. Normally, a unique SSH host key should be generated the first time a virtual appliance boots.
How severe is CVE-2017-5242?: CVE-2017-5242 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2017-5242 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-5242?: CVE-2017-5242 affects Rapid7 Insightvm. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-5242?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2017-5242 published?: CVE-2017-5242 was published on 2023-01-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2017/05/17/rapid7-nexpose-virtual-appliance-duplicate-ssh-host-key-cve-2017-5242/

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:rapid7:insightvm:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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