Shell Access Vulnerability in Cryptsetup Package: CVE-2016-4484

cryptsetup Updated 03 Oct 2025

Summary

23/01/2017
N/A
No i
Medium
6.8

UBUNTU-CVE-2016-4484: The Debian initrd script for the cryptsetup package 2:1.7.3-2 and earlier allows physically proximate attackers to gain shell access via many log in attempts with an invalid password. Affects cryptsetup versions 2:1.4.3-4ubuntu4 – 2:1.6.1-1ubuntu1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

Cryptsetup is a utility used for setting up encrypted filesystems in Linux. It provides a way to manage disk encryption using the dm-crypt kernel module. The package is crucial for securing sensitive data by encrypting storage devices. However, certain versions of Cryptsetup have a vulnerability that allows attackers with physical access to exploit the system.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4484 affects the Debian initrd script for the Cryptsetup package versions 2:1.7.3-2 and earlier. It allows physically proximate attackers to gain shell access by executing multiple login attempts with an invalid password. This flaw can lead to unauthorized access to the system, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, consider limiting physical access to the system or implementing additional security measures such as disabling remote login capabilities until the package can be updated.

Conclusion

CVE-2016-4484 is a significant vulnerability in the Cryptsetup package that can allow unauthorized access to systems with physical access. It is crucial to update to a patched version to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity. Users are encouraged to utilize tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring of vulnerabilities.

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FAQ

CVE-2016-4484 is a vulnerability in the Cryptsetup package that allows attackers with physical access to gain shell access through multiple invalid login attempts.

The vulnerability affects Cryptsetup versions 2:1.7.3-2 and earlier.

You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.

The CVSS score for CVE-2016-4484 is 6.8, indicating a moderate level of severity.

If immediate updates are not possible, consider restricting physical access to the machine and implementing additional security measures to mitigate the risk.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for cryptsetup.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

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