CVE-2026-48982

5.8 MEDIUM 0.1% exploit odds Fix listed Other

What it is

pam_usb provides hardware authentication for Linux using ordinary removable media. In versions prior to 0.9.2, when updating a one-time pad file, a temporary file is created using open() without the O_EXCL flag. Without O_EXCL, the create operation is not atomic: two concurrent processes racing to update the same pad may both succeed in opening the file, with the second write silently overwriting the first. The one-time pad is the core replay-prevention mechanism of pam_usb. A successful race could result in the stored pad value diverging from what either process expected, potentially causing authentication failures or, in a precisely timed attack, creating a window for pad reuse. 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 tampering.
Exploit odds: 0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-06-18 20:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-10-26 11:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 5.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-06-18 20:16 UTC
Last modified: 2026-10-26 11:10 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-362 · Race condition
Record status: Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.8

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

Raw vector

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

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-2026-48982.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-48982. 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