CVE-2012-6140

CVE-2012-6140 is a low-severity vulnerability in Google Authenticator with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 1.9. 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-200.

Key facts

Description

pam_google_authenticator.c in the PAM module in Google Authenticator before 1.0 requires user-readable permissions for the secret file, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions and discover a shared secret via standard filesystem operations, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0258.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-6140?
pam_google_authenticator.c in the PAM module in Google Authenticator before 1.0 requires user-readable permissions for the secret file, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions and discover a shared secret via standard filesystem operations, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0258.
How severe is CVE-2012-6140?
CVE-2012-6140 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 1.9, rated low severity.
Is CVE-2012-6140 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-6140?
CVE-2012-6140 primarily affects Google Authenticator. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-6140?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2012-6140 published?
CVE-2012-6140 was published on 2013-04-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

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