CVE-2019-16729
CVE-2019-16729 is a high-severity vulnerability in Pam-python Project Pam-python with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (28th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Affected product: Pam-python Project Pam-python
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2019-16729?
- pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.
- How severe is CVE-2019-16729?
- CVE-2019-16729 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2019-16729 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2019-16729?
- CVE-2019-16729 primarily affects Pam-python Project Pam-python. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2019-16729?
- 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-2019-16729 published?
- CVE-2019-16729 was published on 2019-09-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1150510#c1
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/11/msg00020.html
- https://sourceforge.net/p/pam-python/code/ci/0247ab687b4347cc52859ca461fb0126dd7e2ebe/
- https://tracker.debian.org/news/1066790/accepted-pam-python-107-1-source-amd64-all-into-unstable/
- https://usn.ubuntu.com/4552-1/
- https://usn.ubuntu.com/4552-2/
- https://www.debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4555
Affected products (6)
- cpe:2.3:a:pam-python_project:pam-python:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:16.04:*:*:*:esm:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:18.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*