CVE-2002-0638: n/a vulnerability

CVE-2002-0638: setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating sys...

setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which may allow local users to gain privileges via a complex race condition that uses an open file descriptor in utility programs such as chfn and chsh.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdatedAug 8, 2024, 02:56 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Security readout for executives and security teams

This is an old local privilege escalation issue in util-linux. On affected legacy Linux systems, a user with local access may be able to abuse a race condition while password-account tools modify /etc/passwd, potentially gaining higher privileges. Likely limited to very old Linux distributions, including Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, plus other operating systems referenced by historical vendor advisories. Modern supported systems are not confirmed affected by the provided bundle. Prioritize only if legacy Linux systems with local users still exist. For modern supported fleets, this is mainly a hygiene and legacy-risk review item unless asset inventory proves exposure. Mitigation focus: Check the relevant distribution advisory for confirmed affected util-linux packages.; Apply vendor-supplied util-linux updates where the advisory applies.; Retire or isolate unsupported legacy Linux systems..

Prepared: Jul 12, 2026, 01:51 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record

Severity: Unknown
CVSS: Not scored
Known Exploited: No
Published: Apr 2, 2003, 05:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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1Source links

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Source materials

CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus

n/an/an/aListed

Weakness

CWE details

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