CVE-2015-3238
6.5 · MEDIUMThe _unix_run_helper_binary function in the pam_unix module in Linux-PAM (aka pam) before 1.2.1, when unable to directly access passwords, allows local users to enumerate usernames or cause a denia…
Overview
CVE-2015-3238 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux-pam linux-pam. It was published on August 24, 2015 and has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5 (MEDIUM).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5, rated MEDIUM. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
Technical description
The _unix_run_helper_binary function in the pam_unix module in Linux-PAM (aka pam) before 1.2.1, when unable to directly access passwords, allows local users to enumerate usernames or cause a denial of service (hang) via a large password.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux-pam. Update linux-pam to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| linux-pam | linux-pam | 0 | Affected |
| oracle | sparc-opl_service_processor | 0 | Affected |
References
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2015-3238?
CVE-2015-3238 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux-pam linux-pam. It was published on August 24, 2015 and has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5 (MEDIUM).
How severe is CVE-2015-3238?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5, rated MEDIUM. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2015-3238?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux-pam. Update linux-pam to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2015-3238?
CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2015-3238 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.
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