CVE-2002-0638

CVE-2002-0638 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Mandrakesoft Mandrake Single Network Firewall with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which may allow local users to gain privileges via a complex race condition that uses an open file descriptor in utility programs such as chfn and chsh.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2002-0638?
setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which may allow local users to gain privileges via a complex race condition that uses an open file descriptor in utility programs such as chfn and chsh.
How severe is CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 6.2, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2002-0638 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (41st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 primarily affects Mandrakesoft Mandrake Single Network Firewall. In total, 29 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2002-0638?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2002-0638 published?
CVE-2002-0638 was published on 2002-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (29)

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