#VU114769 Link following in linux-pam - CVE-2025-8941

Vulnerability identifier: #VU114769

Vulnerability 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-2025-8941

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
linux-pam
Other software / Other software solutions

Vendor: git.kernel.org

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to an insecure link following issue in the pam_namespace module. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with privileges of the application.

The vulnerability exists due to incomplete fix for #VU111389 (CVE-2025-6020).

Mitigation
Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

linux-pam: 0.99.1.0 - 1.7.1

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External links
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2388220

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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.