CVE-2015-7703: The "pidfile" or "driftfile" directives in NTP ntpd 4.2.x before 4.2.8p4, and 4.3.x before 4.3.77, when ntp...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This issue lets a narrowly positioned attacker make ntpd write to arbitrary files when remote configuration is enabled. It requires an allowed source IP and the remote configuration password, so broad internet exposure is less likely. Impact can still be serious on systems where ntpd runs with file-writing privileges. Most likely exposure is legacy ntpd deployments with remote configuration enabled, weakly controlled trusted management networks, or reused configuration passwords. Systems using vendor-fixed packages or without remote configuration are less likely exposed. Treat this as a targeted legacy-infrastructure risk. Prioritize internet-adjacent or management-network NTP servers first, especially where remote administration is enabled. Patch during normal security maintenance unless local evidence suggests credential exposure or unauthorized configuration activity. Mitigation focus: Upgrade ntpd to 4.2.8p4, 4.3.77, or a vendor-fixed package.; Disable remote configuration where it is not operationally required.; Restrict remote configuration access to tightly controlled management hosts..

Prepared

Jun 12, 2026, 22:05 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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