CVE-2015-3246

High7.4 Published on Aug 11, 2015

libuser before 0.56.13-8 and 0.60 before 0.60-7, as used in the userhelper program in the usermode package, directly modifies /etc/passwd, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (inconsistent file state) by causing an error during the modification. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2015-3245 to gain privileges.

Actively exploited

  • In the CISA exploited-vulnerabilities catalogue since Aug 26, 2026
  • US federal agencies must remediate it by Sep 9, 2026 (BOD 22-01)
  • First attack observed 4026 days after disclosure

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Source: CISA KEV · Sep 8, 2026 Aug 26, 2026 Aug 26, 2026 Aug 20, 2026

CVSS score7.4 / 10CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness type (CWE)CWE-264, CWE-367
Vendorsredhat, opensuse, libuser project

Affected products

VendorsProductVersions
redhatlibuser<= 0.56.13-5
redhatenterprise linux5.0
opensuseopensuse13.2
libuser projectlibuser< 0.56.13-8

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