HIGH
CVE-2008-5103
CWE-255Published: November 17, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2008-5103 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 ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (14)
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/32697Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-670-1Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/32697Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-670-1Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2008-5103
CVSS Score7.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-255
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedNov 17, 2008
Related CVEs (CWE-255)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2008-5103 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.