MEDIUM
CVE-2009-0887
CWE-189Published: March 12, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
6.6
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Integer signedness error in the _pam_StrTok function in libpam/pam_misc.c in Linux-PAM (aka pam) 1.0.3 and earlier, when a configuration file contains non-ASCII usernames, might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service, and might allow remote authenticated users to obtain login access with a different user's non-ASCII username, via a login attempt.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-0887 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 ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:L/AC:M/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
linux-pam1 product(s)
linux-pam
Source: NVD CPE · 20 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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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 (18)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2009-0887
CVSS Score6.6 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-189
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 12, 2009
Related CVEs (CWE-189)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-0887 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. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.