Description
The pam_userdb module for Pam uses a case-insensitive method to compare hashed passwords, which makes it easier for attackers to guess the password via a brute force attack.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | pam | 1.1.8-3.1 | — |
| Debian 13 | pam | 1.1.8-3.1 | — |
| Debian 12 | pam | 1.1.8-3.1 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | pam | 1.1.8-1ubuntu2.1 | USN-2935-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 11 SP4 | pam | 1.1.5-0.17.2 | SUSE-SU-2016:1645-1 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 11 SP4 | pam | 1.1.5-0.17.2 | SUSE-SU-2016:1645-1 |
Advisories 2
- USN-2935-1 pam vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2016:1645-1 Security update for pam SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- [oss-security] 20141209 CVE request: pam: password hashes aren't compared case-sensitively mailing-list
- 64180 vdb-entry
- https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=731368
- [oss-security] 20141209 Re: CVE request: pam: password hashes aren't compared case-sensitively mailing-list
- GLSA-201605-05 vendor-advisory
- USN-2935-2 vendor-advisory
- USN-2935-3 vendor-advisory
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1038555
- USN-2935-1 vendor-advisory