CVE-2018-20839

MEDIUM

systemd 242 - Unprotected Password Exposure via VT1 Mode Mishandling

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Description

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

References (6)

Core 6
Core References
Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/systemd/+bug/1803993
Issue Tracking, Patch x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/12378
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108389
Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20190530-0002/

Scores

CVSS v3 4.3
EPSS 0.0063
EPSS Percentile 70.5%
Attack Vector PHYSICAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Details

Status published
Products (4)
netapp/cn1610_firmware
netapp/snapprotect
netapp/solidfire_\&_hci_management_node
systemd_project/systemd 242
Published May 17, 2019
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026