CVE-2010-4708: The pam_env module in Linux-PAM (aka pam) 1.1.2 and earlier reads the .pam_environment file in a user's hom...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2010-4708 is a local Linux-PAM issue where pam_env could read a user-controlled .pam_environment file. That may let a local account influence environment variables for programs that rely on the pam_env PAM check. It is not described as remotely exploitable in the provided sources. Exposure is most likely on older Linux systems running Linux-PAM 1.1.2 or earlier, especially where PAM stacks use pam_env and permit local user accounts. The provided affected-product data is incomplete, so distribution package backports must be checked. Treat this as a moderate, legacy local-risk item. It is important for multi-user Linux servers and hardened environments, but the provided evidence does not support emergency internet-facing remediation. Mitigation focus: Check distribution vendor advisories for the correct Linux-PAM package update.; Upgrade or patch Linux-PAM according to supported distro guidance.; Review PAM stacks using pam_env on multi-user systems..

Prepared

Jun 27, 2026, 18:32 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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