CVE-2015-3246

libuser before 0.56.13-8 and 0.60 before 0.60-7, as used in the userhelper program in the usermode package, directly modifies /etc/passwd, which…

Browse: All 2015 CVEs · All vendors

CVSS score: 5.1 Medium
CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
CISA KEV: Yes — actively exploited (added 2026-08-26, remediation due 2026-09-09)
Weakness (CWE): CWE-264, CWE-367
Published: 2015-08-11
Last modified: 2026-08-27
NVD status: Analyzed

Description

libuser before 0.56.13-8 and 0.60 before 0.60-7, as used in the userhelper program in the usermode package, directly modifies /etc/passwd, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (inconsistent file state) by causing an error during the modification. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2015-3245 to gain privileges.

Affected products

redhat enterprise linux
opensuse opensuse
libuser project libuser

Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.

Required action (CISA)

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. Federal remediation deadline: 2026-09-09.

How to prioritize this

This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.

References

FAQ

Is CVE-2015-3246 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2015-3246 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2026-08-26, with a federal remediation deadline of 2026-09-09. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2015-3246?

CVE-2015-3246 has a CVSS base score of 5.1 (Medium). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.

Related vulnerabilities

Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.