How severe is CVE-2009-3232?

CVE-2009-3232 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2009-3232 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-3232?

CVE-2009-3232 primarily affects Canonical Ubuntu Linux. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-3232?

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

When was CVE-2009-3232 published?

CVE-2009-3232 was published on 2009-09-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-3232

CVE-2009-3232 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Canonical Ubuntu Linux with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. 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-287.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Canonical Ubuntu Linux
Published: 2009-09-17
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

pam-auth-update for PAM, as used in Ubuntu 8.10 and 9.4, and Debian GNU/Linux, does not properly handle an "empty selection" for system authentication modules in certain rare configurations, which causes any attempt to be successful and allows remote attackers to bypass authentication.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3232?: pam-auth-update for PAM, as used in Ubuntu 8.10 and 9.4, and Debian GNU/Linux, does not properly handle an "empty selection" for system authentication modules in certain rare configurations, which causes any attempt to be successful and allows remote attackers to bypass authentication.
How severe is CVE-2009-3232?: CVE-2009-3232 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2009-3232 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-3232?: CVE-2009-3232 primarily affects Canonical Ubuntu Linux. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-3232?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-3232 published?: CVE-2009-3232 was published on 2009-09-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:8.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:9.04:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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