CVE-2008-5103

7.2 HIGH 0.5% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2008-11-17 18:18 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 22:59 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2008-11-17 18:18 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 22:59 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-255
Record status: Modified

Affected

Dcgrendel Vmbuilder 0.9

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.2

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: Complete
Integrity: Complete
Availability: Complete

Raw vector

AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2008-5103.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2008-5103. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record