CVE-2006-1183

Ubuntu Linux 5.10 - Unprotected Password Exposure via Installer Log File

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2006-1183. PoCs published by Kristian Hermansen.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit reads plaintext passwords from Ubuntu Breezy installation logs stored in `/var/log/installer/cdebconf/questions.dat` or `/var/log/debian-installer/cdebconf/questions.dat`. It extracts user details, including real name, username, and password, by parsing the log files.

Description

The Ubuntu 5.10 installer does not properly clear passwords from the installer log file (questions.dat), and leaves the log file with world-readable permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Kristian Hermansen · perllocallinux
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/1579

This exploit reads plaintext passwords from Ubuntu Breezy installation logs stored in `/var/log/installer/cdebconf/questions.dat` or `/var/log/debian-installer/cdebconf/questions.dat`. It extracts user details, including real name, username, and password, by parsing the log files.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Ubuntu Breezy (specific version not specified)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to the target system's filesystem · Presence of vulnerable log files with readable permissions
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (8)

Core 8
Core References
Vendor Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_ubuntu
https://usn.ubuntu.com/262-1/
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/17086
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_osvdb
http://www.osvdb.org/23868
Third Party Advisory vdb-entry x_refsource_vupen
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2006/0927
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_xf
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/25170
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://securitytracker.com/id?1015761
Third Party Advisory third-party-advisory x_refsource_secunia
http://secunia.com/advisories/19200

Scores

EPSS 0.0322
EPSS Percentile 86.6%

Details

Status published
Products (1)
ubuntu/ubuntu_linux 5.10
Published Mar 13, 2006
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026