How severe is CVE-2005-3503?

CVE-2005-3503 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2005-3503 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2005-3503?

CVE-2005-3503 affects Pwdutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2005-3503?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2005-3503 published?

CVE-2005-3503 was published on 2005-11-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2005-3503

CVE-2005-3503 is a high-severity vulnerability in Pwdutils with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (85th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Pwdutils
Published: 2005-11-05
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly check arguments for the GECOS field, which allows local users to gain privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2005-3503?: chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly check arguments for the GECOS field, which allows local users to gain privileges.
How severe is CVE-2005-3503?: CVE-2005-3503 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2005-3503 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2005-3503?: CVE-2005-3503 affects Pwdutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2005-3503?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2005-3503 published?: CVE-2005-3503 was published on 2005-11-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:pwdutils:pwdutils:*:*:suse_linux:*:*:*:*:*