CVE-2026-48980

What it is

pam_usb provides hardware authentication for Linux using removable media. In versions prior to 0.9.2, getenv() environment variables XRDP_SESSION, DISPLAY and TMUX allow environment variable injection into local-check logic. These environment variables influence whether a current session is local or remote, and a PAM module that runs in the context of setuid binaries (sudo, su), getenv() returns attacker-controlled values whenever the process environment has been manipulated by a local user. This issue has been fixed in version 0.9.2.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-06-18 20:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-25 23:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-06-18 20:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-25 23:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-454

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None