CVE-2013-4441: The Phonemes mode in Pwgen 2.06 generates predictable passwords, which makes it easier for context-dependen...

Security readout for executives and security teams

Pwgen 2.06 can create predictable passwords when its Phonemes mode is used. If those passwords protected accounts, services, or shared secrets, an attacker may have a smaller guessing problem than expected. The issue is usage-dependent rather than a remotely exploitable software flaw. Exposure is most likely where Pwgen 2.06 Phonemes mode was used to generate real credentials, bootstrap secrets, temporary passwords, or service passwords. Systems merely having pwgen installed are lower risk unless generated passwords remain in use. Treat this as a credential hygiene issue. It is not documented as actively exploited, but any long-lived password generated by the affected mode should be considered weaker than intended and rotated based on privilege and exposure. Mitigation focus: Stop using Pwgen 2.06 Phonemes mode for password generation.; Check vendor or distribution guidance for corrected Pwgen packages.; Rotate passwords known or suspected to come from affected Phonemes mode..

Prepared

Jun 6, 2026, 02:49 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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