#VU45410 Input validation error in linux-pam - CVE-2010-4708

Vulnerability identifier: #VU45410

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 6.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2010-4708

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
linux-pam
Other software / Other software solutions

Vendor: git.kernel.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.

The pam_env module in Linux-PAM (aka pam) 1.1.2 and earlier reads the .pam_environment file in a user's home directory, which might allow local users to run programs with an unintended environment by executing a program that relies on the pam_env PAM check.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

linux-pam: 0.99.1.0 - 1.1.1

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External links
https://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2010/09/27/7
https://pam.cvs.sourceforge.net/viewvc/pam/Linux-PAM/modules/pam_env/pam_env.8.xml?r1=1.7&r2=1.8
https://pam.cvs.sourceforge.net/viewvc/pam/Linux-PAM/modules/pam_env/pam_env.c?r1=1.22&r2=1.23
https://secunia.com/advisories/49711
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201206-31.xml
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46046
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=641335
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/65037

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.