CVE-2026-126641 - Ansible-pylibssh: accepts a changed ssh host key when host_key_auto_add is enabled

CVE-2026-126641 - Ansible-pylibssh: accepts a changed ssh host key when host_key_auto_add is enabled

https://cvefeed.io/rssfeed/latest.atom / Thu, 11/12/2026 - 14:08
CVE ID :CVE-2026-126641
Published : Nov. 12, 2026, 11:17 a.m. | 1 hour, 42 minutes ago
Description :A host key verification flaw was found in ansible-pylibssh and in the ansible.netcommon libssh connection plugin. When trust-on-first-use is enabled (host_key_auto_add on the libssh connection plugin, or AutoAddPolicy in ansible-pylibssh), a host that is already present in known_hosts but now presents a different key is accepted without warning. The pylibssh Session.verify_knownhost() method passes the SSH_KNOWN_HOSTS_CHANGED and SSH_KNOWN_HOSTS_OTHER states to the same missing_host_key() policy hook used for unknown hosts, and the bundled AutoAddPolicy/RejectPolicy classes (as well as ansible.netcommon's MyAddPolicy, which is modeled on paramiko's AutoAddPolicy) therefore add the changed key and continue the connection rather than aborting as paramiko's BadHostKeyException path would. As a result the controller authenticates to the substitute host, runs the play there, and appends the new key to known_hosts, which can disclose connection credentials to an attacker performing a machine-in-the-middle attack. Default configurations (host_key_checking enabled, host_key_auto_add unset) are not affected; non-interactive runs fail closed.
Severity: 6.5 | MEDIUM
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Kenya Education Network CERT(KENET-CERT) is a Cybersecurity Emergency Response Team and Co-ordination Center operated by the National Research and Education Network of Kenya. KENET-CERT coordination center promotes awareness on cybersecurity incidences as well as coordinates and assists member institutions in responding effectively to cyber security threats and incidences. KENET-CERT works closely with Kenya's National CIRT coordination center (CIRT/CC) as a sector CIRT for the academic institutions. KENET promotes use of ICT in Teaching, Learning and Research in Higher Education Institutions in Kenya. KENET aims to interconnect all the Universities, Tertiary and Research Institutions in Kenya by setting up a cost effective and sustainable private network with high speed access to the global Internet. KENET also facilitates electronic communication among students and faculties in member institutions, share learning and teaching resources by collaboration in Research and Development of Educational content.