Description
In support.c in pam_tacplus 1.3.8 through 1.5.1, the TACACS+ shared secret gets logged via syslog if the DEBUG loglevel and journald are used.
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 9 | libpam-tacplus | 1.3.8-2+deb9u1 | DLA-2730-1 |
| Debian 8 | libpam-tacplus | 1.3.8-2+deb8u1 | DLA-2239-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | libpam-tacplus | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | libpam-tacplus | 1.3.8-2+deb8u1build0.20.04.1 | USN-4521-1 |
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | libpam-tacplus | 1.3.8-2+deb8u1build0.18.04.1 | USN-4521-1 |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | libpam-tacplus | 1.3.8-2+deb8u1build0.16.04.1 | USN-4521-1 |
Advisories 3
- USN-4521-1 libpam-tacplus vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 27, 2026
- DLA-2730-1 libpam-tacplus - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DLA-2239-1 libpam-tacplus - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- https://github.com/kravietz/pam_tacplus/issues/149
- https://github.com/kravietz/pam_tacplus/commit/4a9852c31c2fd0c0e72fbb689a586aabcfb11cb0
- [oss-security] 20200608 CVE-2020-13881: pam_tacplus 1.3.8 through 1.5.1, the TACACS+ shared secret gets logged via syslog if configured with debug parameter mailing-list
- [debian-lts-announce] 20200608 [SECURITY] [DLA 2239-1] libpam-tacplus security update mailing-list
- https://www.arista.com/en/support/advisories-notices/security-advisories/11705-security-advisory-50
- USN-4521-1 vendor-advisory
- [debian-lts-announce] 20210804 [SECURITY] [DLA 2730-1] libpam-tacplus security update mailing-list