How severe is CVE-2008-5103?

CVE-2008-5103 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-5103 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-5103?

CVE-2008-5103 affects Dcgrendel Vmbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-5103?

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-2008-5103 published?

CVE-2008-5103 was published on 2008-11-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-5103

CVE-2008-5103 is a high-severity vulnerability in Dcgrendel Vmbuilder 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-255.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (37th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-255
Affected product: Dcgrendel Vmbuilder
Published: 2008-11-17
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-5103?: The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.
How severe is CVE-2008-5103?: CVE-2008-5103 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-5103 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-5103?: CVE-2008-5103 affects Dcgrendel Vmbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-5103?: 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-2008-5103 published?: CVE-2008-5103 was published on 2008-11-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:dcgrendel:vmbuilder:0.9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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