Moderate Security Vulnerability in PAM Packages: Plaintext Password Recovery Risk
Summary
ALSA-2026:59379: Moderate: pam security update. Affects pam versions < 1.6.1-9.el10_2.1. Fixed in 1.6.1-9.el10_2.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) are a suite of libraries that enable the implementation of authentication policies for applications without requiring recompilation. PAM is widely used in various Linux distributions, including AlmaLinux, to manage user authentication. The affected packages include 'pam', 'pam-devel', and 'pam-libs', which are integral to the authentication process in the operating system.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-54411 allows for plaintext password recovery through a timing discrepancy in the pam_userdb module. This flaw can potentially enable an attacker to exploit the timing differences in password verification processes to recover user passwords, posing a significant security risk to systems relying on PAM for authentication.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.6.1-9.el10_2.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update pamTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can limit access to the pam_userdb module or implement additional security layers, such as two-factor authentication, to mitigate the risk until the packages are updated.
Conclusion
The PAM security update addresses a critical vulnerability that could allow attackers to recover plaintext passwords. It is crucial for users to update their PAM packages to the latest version to mitigate this risk. Implementing additional security measures can also help protect against potential exploitation.
See every vulnerability recorded for pam →
FAQ
PAM stands for Pluggable Authentication Modules, which is a framework used to manage authentication for applications in Linux.
CVE-2026-54411 is the identifier for a specific vulnerability in the PAM system that allows for plaintext password recovery due to timing discrepancies.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to recover user passwords, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Yes, the permanent fix is to update the affected PAM packages to the patched version 1.6.1-9.el10_2.1 or later.
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