How severe is CVE-2018-10896?

CVE-2018-10896 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2018-10896 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-10896?

CVE-2018-10896 affects Canonical Cloud-init. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-10896?

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-2018-10896 published?

CVE-2018-10896 was published on 2018-08-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-10896

CVE-2018-10896 is a high-severity vulnerability in Canonical Cloud-init with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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-321.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
CVSS v2: 3.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (28th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-321
Affected product: Canonical Cloud-init
Published: 2018-08-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The default cloud-init configuration, in cloud-init 0.6.2 and newer, included "ssh_deletekeys: 0", disabling cloud-init's deletion of ssh host keys. In some environments, this could lead to instances created by cloning a golden master or template system, sharing ssh host keys, and being able to impersonate one another or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-10896?: The default cloud-init configuration, in cloud-init 0.6.2 and newer, included "ssh_deletekeys: 0", disabling cloud-init's deletion of ssh host keys. In some environments, this could lead to instances created by cloning a golden master or template system, sharing ssh host keys, and being able to impersonate one another or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks.
How severe is CVE-2018-10896?: CVE-2018-10896 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2018-10896 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-10896?: CVE-2018-10896 affects Canonical Cloud-init. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-10896?: 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-2018-10896 published?: CVE-2018-10896 was published on 2018-08-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:canonical:cloud-init:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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