Review reviewHigh

CVE-2026-9547

curl

When a libcurl-based application performs transfers via `SCP://` or `SFTP://` and utilizes the `CURLOPT_SSH_KEYFUNCTION` callback, it may silently accept an untrusted server. This vulnerability occurs when a server presents a host key type that does not match the specific key type already recorded for that host in the `known_hosts` file. Instead of rejecting the mismatch, the callback mechanism fails to properly enforce the restriction, allowing the connection to succeed without warning and risking a potential man-in-the-middle attack.

CVSS
7.4
EPSS
0.51%
39.9% percentile
CISA KEV
Not listed
Published
2026.07.03
PRIORITY ASSESSMENT

Review review

The CVSS severity warrants an early asset and exposure review.

Known exploitationNot established by KEV
Exploit probability0.51%
Technical severityCVSS 7.4

Vulnerability overview

When a libcurl-based application performs transfers via `SCP://` or `SFTP://` and utilizes the `CURLOPT_SSH_KEYFUNCTION` callback, it may silently accept an untrusted server. This vulnerability occurs when a server presents a host key type that does not match the specific key type already recorded for that host in the `known_hosts` file. Instead of rejecting the mismatch, the callback mechanism fails to properly enforce the restriction, allowing the connection to succeed without warning and risking a potential man-in-the-middle attack.

Affected product and versions

Product
curl
Affected versions
8.20.0, 8.19.0, 8.18.0, 8.17.0, 8.16.0, 8.15.0, 8.14.1, 8.14.0, 8.13.0, 8.12.1, 8.12.0, 8.11.1, 8.11.0, 8.10.1, 8.10.0, 8.9.1, 8.9.0, 8.8.0, 8.7.1, 8.7.0
Fixed versions
8.21.0

Recommended response sequence

Confirm exposure before applying a vendor-supported change.

Full remediation guide
  1. 1
    Identify

    Confirm that curl and an affected version are present.

  2. 2
    Prioritize

    Combine exploitation signals with asset exposure and business criticality.

  3. 3
    Remediate

    Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path and preserve rollback options.

  4. 4
    Verify

    Recheck the version, service health, access paths, and relevant logs.

Technical data

CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CWE
Not available
CVE-2026-9547 — curl | SECUFOCUS NOW