CVE-2019-16729

7.8 HIGH 0.4% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2019-09-24 05:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 02:22 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2019-09-24 05:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 02:22 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days
Record status: Modified

Affected

pam-python Project pam-python < 1.0.7-1
Debian Linux 8.0
Debian Linux 9.0
Debian Linux 10.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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-2019-16729.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-16729. 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