LOW
CVE-2010-3431
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: January 24, 2011· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
1.9
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The privilege-dropping implementation in the (1) pam_env and (2) pam_mail modules in Linux-PAM (aka pam) 1.1.2 does not check the return value of the setfsuid system call, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information by leveraging an unintended uid, as demonstrated by a symlink attack on the .pam_environment file in a user's home directory. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2010-3435.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2010-3431 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
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
linux-pam1 product(s)
linux-pam
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
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
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (32)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2010-3431
CVSS Score1.9 / 10
SeverityLOW
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 24, 2011
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2010-3431 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.