Vulnerability Description
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.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/208.html
- https://github.com/linux-pam/linux-pam
- https://github.com/linux-pam/linux-pam/blob/master/libpam/include/pam_inline.h
- https://github.com/linux-pam/linux-pam/blob/master/modules/pam_userdb/pam_userdb
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-54411?
CVE-2026-54411 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.9 (MEDIUM). 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 netw...
How severe is CVE-2026-54411?
CVE-2026-54411 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.9/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-54411?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.