MEDIUM
CVE-2002-0638
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: August 12, 2002· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
6.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which may allow local users to gain privileges via a complex race condition that uses an open file descriptor in utility programs such as chfn and chsh.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2002-0638 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:L/AC:H/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
HP1 product(s)
secure os
mandrakesoft3 product(s)
mandrake single network firewallmandrake linuxmandrake linux corporate server
Red Hat1 product(s)
linux
Source: NVD CPE · 16 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
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Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (26)
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2002-132.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/405955Patch · Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2002-0638
CVSS Score6.2 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 12, 2002
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2002-0638 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.