CVE-2016-7456Vsphere Data Protection Vulnerability
VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP) 5.5.x though 6.1.x has an SSH private key with a publicly known password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain login access via an SSH session.
Published Dec 29, 2016 · Updated May 6, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-7456 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3) affecting Vsphere Data Protection (Vmware).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 33% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3
9.8
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
33%
Higher than 98.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
55/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisory94990
- advisory1037502
- advisoryhttp://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2016-0024.html
Description
VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP) 5.5.x though 6.1.x has an SSH private key with a publicly known password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain login access via an SSH session.
Affected Products
22 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Vsphere Data ProtectionVmware | 5.5.1, 5.5.10, 5.5.11, 5.5.5, 5.5.6, 5.5.7, 5.5.8, 5.5.9 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 29, 2016
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-255
References
- advisory94990
- advisory1037502
- advisoryvmware.com · VMSA-2016-0024.html
- exploitMSF vmware_vdp_known_privkey.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP) 5.5.x though 6.1.x has an SSH private key with a publicly known password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain login access via an SSH session.
Affected: Vsphere Data Protection (Vmware) versions 5.5.1, 5.5.10, 5.5.11, 5.5.5, 5.5.6, 5.5.7, 5.5.8, 5.5.9. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2016-7456 On Your Attack Surface?
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