#VU111387 Configuration in pam-32bit - CVE-2025-6018

Vulnerability identifier: #VU111387

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [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:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-6018

CWE-ID: CWE-16

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
pam-32bit
Operating systems & Components / Operating system package or component

Vendor: SUSE

Description

The issue may allow a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The issue exists due an error in the PAM configuration of openSUSE Leap 15 and SUSE Linux Enterprise 15. An unprivileged user who logs in via sshd can force the pam_env module to add arbitrary variables to PAM's environment, leading to arbitrary code execution as root. 

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

pam-32bit: before 1.1.8-24.71.1

---

External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/06/17/4

---

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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.