CVE-2026-48983

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, a symlink race condition exists in per-device and per-user pad directory creation. pam_usb uses a check-then-act pattern: it calls lstat() to test for existence and then calls mkdir() separately to create the directory. A local attacker can win the race between these calls by replacing the target path with a symlink to a directory they control. If successful, one-time pad files may be written to an attacker-controlled location, potentially exposing future pad values before use or disrupting authentication. 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.
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-367
Record status: Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.8

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

Raw vector

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

Is it in your code?

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Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-48983.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-48983. 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