CVE-2014-9293: The config_auth function in ntpd in NTP before 4.2.7p11, when an auth key is not configured, improperly gen...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2014-9293 affects ntpd before 4.2.7p11. If an authentication key is not configured, ntpd improperly generates one, making its cryptographic protection easier to defeat remotely. The business risk is time integrity: incorrect trusted time can affect logging, certificates, authentication, and incident reconstruction. Likely exposure is legacy systems, network appliances, security products, or Unix/Linux servers running affected ntpd packages, especially where NTP is reachable or trusted for authenticated time synchronization. Treat as a targeted remediation item for systems that provide or trust authenticated NTP. Prioritize internet-facing, appliance, and security-control infrastructure; broader emergency response is not supported by the supplied evidence. Mitigation focus: Upgrade NTP to a vendor-fixed version, at least beyond 4.2.7p11.; Apply relevant Cisco, Red Hat, HPE, Mageia, or platform vendor updates.; Review NTP authentication configuration and define proper keys where authentication is required..

Prepared

Jun 14, 2026, 05:41 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.