CVE-2025-6018
Pam-config: lpe from unprivileged to allow_active in pam
A Local Privilege Escalation (LPE) vulnerability has been discovered in pam-config within Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM). This flaw allows an unprivileged local attacker (for example, a user logged in via SSH) to obtain the elevated privileges normally reserved for a physically present, "allow_active" user. The highest risk is that the attacker can then perform all allow_active yes Polkit actions, which are typically restricted to console users, potentially gaining unauthorized control over system configurations, services, or other sensitive operations.
Fixes and workarounds
Workaround
Currently, there is no mitigation available for this vulnerability.
Source: CNA: redhatAffected products and versions
| Product | Versions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
pam
https://packagehub.suse.com/ |
≥ 0; < 1.1.8-24.71.1 (affected, custom)
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: redhat |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Red Hat pam
https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/ |
Range not reported
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: redhat |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 Red Hat pam
https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/ |
Range not reported
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: redhat |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 Red Hat pam
https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/ |
Range not reported
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: redhat |
Version ranges are source assertions. Check the vendor advisory and your installed configuration before determining exposure.
CVSS assessments
| Version / score | Vector | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 / 7.8 high |
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H | CNA: redhat |
Exploit evidence
- https://cdn2.qualys.com/2025/06/17/suse15-pam-udisks-lpe.txt
exploit · ADP: CISA-ADP
References
- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-6018CNA: redhat · vdb-entry, x_refsource_REDHAT
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2372693CNA: redhat · issue-tracking, x_refsource_REDHAT
- https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1243226CNA: redhat
- https://cdn2.qualys.com/2025/06/17/suse15-pam-udisks-lpe.txtCNA: redhat
- https://cdn2.qualys.com/2025/06/17/suse15-pam-udisks-lpe.txtADP: CISA-ADP · exploit
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/08/28/4ADP: CVE
For agents and automation
Read public disclosures for free as Markdown or JSON. Compatible browsers also expose native WebMCP tools to search disclosures, read this page, and discover API access.
Use the ontology-linked Cyber API with x402 pay per request, or a Y2 Pro or Elite API key with the intel:cyber scope.
Endpoints and access details
https://api.y2.dev/api/v2/cyber/cveshttps://api.y2.dev/api/v2/cyber/cves/{cveId}
A workspace owner or admin can create a Pro or Elite API key. Send Authorization: Bearer <Y2_API_KEY> from your trusted agent runtime.
For x402, omit Authorization and read the HTTP 402 payment challenge before signing a retry. Public browser tools do not make payments.