CVE-2021-22212

Description

ntpkeygen can generate keys that ntpd fails to parse. NTPsec 1.2.0 allows ntpkeygen to generate keys with '#' characters. ntpd then either pads, shortens the key, or fails to load these keys entirely, depending on the key type and the placement of the '#'. This results in the administrator not being able to use the keys as expected or the keys are shorter than expected and easier to brute-force, possibly resulting in MITM attacks between ntp clients and ntp servers. For short AES128 keys, ntpd generates a warning that it is padding them.

Category

4.0
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.04%
Vendor Advisory fedoraproject.org
Affected: NTPsec ntpsec
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-22212?
CVE-2021-22212 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-22212?
To fix CVE-2021-22212, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2021-22212 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-22212 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-22212?
CVE-2021-22212 affects NTPsec ntpsec.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.