How severe is CVE-2015-3246?

CVE-2015-3246 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2015-3246 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-3246?

CVE-2015-3246 primarily affects Redhat Libuser. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-3246?

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-2015-3246 published?

CVE-2015-3246 was published on 2015-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-3246

CVE-2015-3246 is a high-severity vulnerability in Redhat Libuser 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Redhat Libuser
Published: 2015-08-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

libuser before 0.56.13-8 and 0.60 before 0.60-7, as used in the userhelper program in the usermode package, directly modifies /etc/passwd, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (inconsistent file state) by causing an error during the modification. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2015-3245 to gain privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-3246?: libuser before 0.56.13-8 and 0.60 before 0.60-7, as used in the userhelper program in the usermode package, directly modifies /etc/passwd, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (inconsistent file state) by causing an error during the modification. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2015-3245 to gain privileges.
How severe is CVE-2015-3246?: CVE-2015-3246 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2015-3246 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-3246?: CVE-2015-3246 primarily affects Redhat Libuser. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-3246?: 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-2015-3246 published?: CVE-2015-3246 was published on 2015-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:libuser:0.60-6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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