Linux-PAM through 1.7.2 contains an observable timing discrepancy (CWE-208) in the pam_userdb module's plaintext-password comparison path in modules/pam_userdb/pam_userdb.c that…
Published June 16, 2026Updated August 13, 2026
Source data
Overview
Full source title
Linux-PAM through 1.7.2 contains an observable timing discrepancy (CWE-208) in the pam_userdb module's plaintext-password comparison path in modules/pam_userdb/pam_userdb.c that allows a local or network-adjacent attacker able to repeatedly drive authentication through a calling service to recover the plaintext password of a target account by measuring response-timing differences. The comparison uses strncmp() (or strncasecmp() when PAM_ICASE_ARG is set) preceded by a length-equality check, so t
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Impact & technical details
A separate impact classification is not supplied in this record. See the source advisory.
- CVSS base score
- 5.9 / 10
- CVSS vector
- CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Highest base score supplied by MSRC for this record; the vector belongs to that score. Ratings can vary by product. Microsoft Important is displayed as High; Moderate is displayed as Medium.
Affected products
- azl3 pam 1.5.3-5 on Azure Linux 3.0
Source guidance
Remediation
The source provides update references without a separate remediation summary. Review the applicable update links below.
Patch availability is not confirmed by this dataset. Consult the vendor before selecting a remediation.
GTP recommendation · Rule-based guidance
Recommended next step
Review affected Microsoft products and apply the applicable security updates through your organization's normal patch-management process. Confirm availability and prerequisites in the Microsoft advisory.
Authoritative sources & updates
Findings and update information come from the linked publishers. GTP compiles the public record and provides the recommendation above. CVSS ratings shown here come from Microsoft. NVD references provide additional public context.
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Security bulletins are provided for informational purposes and compiled from authoritative public sources. Vulnerability applicability varies by environment. Validate affected products, configuration, compatibility requirements, and vendor guidance before making production changes.