CVE-2026-44712: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in mcdope pam_usb
pam_usb provides hardware authentication for Linux using ordinary removable media. Prior to 0.8.7, a crafted UUID such as $(id>/tmp/rce) in the config causes root RCE when pamusb-conf --reset-pads is run. A USB device with a crafted filesystem UUID (some controllers allow this) can inject the payload at --add-device time. Also, userName from the XML config is passed to os.system() in pamusb-agent, which invokes a shell. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.8.7.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in pam_usb (versions before 0.8.7) arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78). Specifically, a crafted UUID such as $(id>/tmp/rce) in the configuration can lead to root remote code execution when the pamusb-conf --reset-pads command is run. Additionally, the userName parameter from the XML config is passed unsafely to os.system() in pamusb-agent, invoking a shell and enabling command injection. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The issue is resolved in pam_usb version 0.8.7.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in root-level remote code execution on affected systems running pam_usb versions prior to 0.8.7. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.2 (high), reflecting the significant impact and required privileges (local with high privileges).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade pam_usb to version 0.8.7 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since no official patch links or vendor advisories are provided, verify the upgrade from the official mcdope project sources. Avoid using vulnerable versions and do not run pamusb-conf --reset-pads on untrusted USB devices or configurations until patched.
CVE-2026-44712: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in mcdope pam_usb
Description
pam_usb provides hardware authentication for Linux using ordinary removable media. Prior to 0.8.7, a crafted UUID such as $(id>/tmp/rce) in the config causes root RCE when pamusb-conf --reset-pads is run. A USB device with a crafted filesystem UUID (some controllers allow this) can inject the payload at --add-device time. Also, userName from the XML config is passed to os.system() in pamusb-agent, which invokes a shell. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.8.7.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.2high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in pam_usb (versions before 0.8.7) arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78). Specifically, a crafted UUID such as $(id>/tmp/rce) in the configuration can lead to root remote code execution when the pamusb-conf --reset-pads command is run. Additionally, the userName parameter from the XML config is passed unsafely to os.system() in pamusb-agent, invoking a shell and enabling command injection. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The issue is resolved in pam_usb version 0.8.7.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in root-level remote code execution on affected systems running pam_usb versions prior to 0.8.7. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.2 (high), reflecting the significant impact and required privileges (local with high privileges).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade pam_usb to version 0.8.7 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since no official patch links or vendor advisories are provided, verify the upgrade from the official mcdope project sources. Avoid using vulnerable versions and do not run pamusb-conf --reset-pads on untrusted USB devices or configurations until patched.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-07T17:07:09.318Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a175c27e29bf47b50eb608f
Added to database: 05/27/2026, 21:03:35 UTC
Last enriched: 05/27/2026, 21:33:51 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 53
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