CVE-1999-1085: Medium severity ssh secure shell vulnerability

Published Jun 12, 1998
·
Updated

SSH 1.2.25, 1.2.23, and other versions, when used in in CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) or CFB (Cipher Feedback 64 bits) modes, allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary data into an existing stream between an SSH client and server by using a known plaintext attack and computing a valid CRC-32 checksum for the packet, aka the "SSH insertion attack."

Affected Software

8 affected components
SSH Secure Shell=1.2.25
SSH Secure Shell=1.2.23
GE Vulnerabilities related to SSH Support: firmware versions 7.4x to 8.0x (CyberSentry option)
GE Web server vulnerabilities: all firmware versions prior to version 8.1x
GE Protection from unintended firmware upload: all firmware versions prior to 8.1x with basic security option
GE Provisions to disable Factory Mode: all firmware versions prior to 8.1x with basic security option
GE Access to “Last-key pressed” register: all firmware versions prior to 8.1x with basic security option
GE Weakness in UR bootloader binary: all bootloader versions prior to 7.03/7.04

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Configure SSH servers and clients to disable CBC and CFB (64-bit) cipher modes (do not allow SSH connections that negotiate CBC or CFB64 ciphers). Prefer non-CBC/CFB cipher modes where supported.

    SSH (Secure Shell) ciphers = disable CBC and CFB (64-bit) modes
  2. Compensating control

    Until a patched SSH implementation is available, restrict SSH access via network controls: allow SSH only from trusted IPs, place management interfaces on isolated networks/VLANs, and enforce firewall rules or ACLs to limit exposure.

Event History

Jun 12, 1998
CVE Published
04:00 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 9, 2002
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-1999-1085?

CVE-1999-1085 is considered a moderate severity vulnerability affecting SSH versions 1.2.25 and 1.2.23.

2

How do I fix CVE-1999-1085?

To mitigate CVE-1999-1085, upgrade to a patched version of SSH that is not vulnerable to known plaintext attacks.

3

What versions of SSH are affected by CVE-1999-1085?

CVE-1999-1085 affects SSH versions 1.2.25, 1.2.23, and potentially other SSH implementations in CBC or CFB mode.

4

Can CVE-1999-1085 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-1999-1085 can be exploited remotely by an attacker who can inject arbitrary data into the SSH stream.

5

What types of attacks are possible with CVE-1999-1085?

CVE-1999-1085 allows for known plaintext attacks which can compromise the integrity of the data sent over SSH.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203