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CVE Record

CVE-2019-16729: pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, wh...

pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2019-16729 is a local privilege escalation issue in pam-python before 1.0.7-1. In certain PAM configurations, Python environment handling could let a local user gain root privileges. This is primarily urgent for Linux systems that use pam-python in authentication flows.

Executive priority

Treat as high priority where pam-python is used because successful exploitation could mean full root compromise. Prioritize authentication servers, shared Linux hosts, and systems with broad local user access.

Technical view

The issue concerns pam-python’s handling of Python’s default environment variables in PAM contexts. Sources describe possible local root escalation in certain PAM setups before version 1.0.7-1. Debian and Ubuntu published security advisories, and the bundle includes an upstream SourceForge code reference.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux hosts with pam-python installed and used by PAM service configuration. Systems without pam-python, or with fixed distribution packages, are not indicated as exposed by the supplied sources.

Exploitation context

The supplied bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or public active exploitation evidence. Exploitation requires local access and a vulnerable PAM setup, but the sources do not provide enough detail to define every prerequisite.

Researcher notes

Evidence is strong for vulnerable versions and vendor acknowledgement, but limited on exploitation detail, exact configuration prerequisites, and CVSS scoring. Validate by package version and PAM module usage, then rely on vendor advisories for fixed builds.

Mitigation direction

  • Update pam-python to fixed distribution packages or version 1.0.7-1 or later where applicable.
  • Follow Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE, or other vendor guidance for affected releases.
  • Remove unused pam-python PAM integrations where operationally unnecessary.
  • Restrict local account access on systems until remediation is complete.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory hosts with pam-python installed.
  • Check installed pam-python package versions against vendor advisories.
  • Review PAM service configuration for pam-python module usage.
  • Confirm updated packages are deployed and authentication still functions.
  • Track any unsupported systems requiring compensating controls.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
8

Public sources used

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

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
8Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.