CVE-2018-20839

What it is

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

2.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2019-05-17 04:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:53 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-05-17 04:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:53 UTC

Exploit probability

2.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Systemd Project Systemd 242
• Netapp cn1610 Firmware
• Netapp Snapprotect
• Netapp Solidfire \& Hci Management Node

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.3

Attack vector

Physical

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

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-2018-20839.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-20839. 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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