Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 update for pam

1) Improper access control

EUVDB-ID: #VU111389

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-6020

CWE-ID: CWE-284 - Improper Access Control

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper access restrictions within the pam_namespace module when handling user-controlled paths. A local user can use specially crafted symlinks and race conditions to execute arbitrary code as root. 

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server - AUS: 9.2

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server for Power LE - Update Services for SAP Solutions: 9.2

pam (Red Hat package): before 1.5.1-15.el9_2.1

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:o:red_hat:red_hat_enterprise_linux_server_-_aus:9.2:*:*:*:*:red_hat_enterprise_linux:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:red_hat:red_hat_enterprise_linux_server_for_ibm_power_le_-_update_services_for_sap_solutions:9.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:red_hat:pam_redhat_package:*:*:*:*:*:red_hat_enterprise_linux:*:*

External links

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2025:10180

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.