How severe is CVE-2008-1946?

CVE-2008-1946 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.4, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2008-1946 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (23rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-1946?

CVE-2008-1946 affects Gnu Coreutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-1946?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2008-1946 published?

CVE-2008-1946 was published on 2008-07-28 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-1946

CVE-2008-1946 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Gnu Coreutils with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.4. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 4.4)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (23rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Gnu Coreutils
Published: 2008-07-28
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The default configuration of su in /etc/pam.d/su in GNU coreutils 5.2.1 allows local users to gain the privileges of a (1) locked or (2) expired account by entering the account name on the command line, related to improper use of the pam_succeed_if.so module.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-1946?: The default configuration of su in /etc/pam.d/su in GNU coreutils 5.2.1 allows local users to gain the privileges of a (1) locked or (2) expired account by entering the account name on the command line, related to improper use of the pam_succeed_if.so module.
How severe is CVE-2008-1946?: CVE-2008-1946 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.4, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2008-1946 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (23rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-1946?: CVE-2008-1946 affects Gnu Coreutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-1946?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2008-1946 published?: CVE-2008-1946 was published on 2008-07-28 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:coreutils:5.2.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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