CVE Catalog

CVE-2006-3597

High
Published: Translated: NVD NIST

Summary

passwd before 1:4.0.13 on Ubuntu 6.06 LTS leaves the root password blank instead of locking it when the administrator selects the "Go Back" option after the final "Installation complete" message and uses the main menu, which causes the password to be zeroed out in the installer's memory.

Risk Assessment

This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the root account because the password becomes empty, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Recommendation

Update the passwd package to version 1:4.0.13 or later. If updating is not possible, avoid using the "Go Back" option after installation completes and manually set a strong root password.

Related vulnerabilities

Original NVD description (English source)

passwd before 1:4.0.13 on Ubuntu 6.06 LTS leaves the root password blank instead of locking it when the administrator selects the "Go Back" option after the final "Installation complete" message and uses the main menu, which causes the password to be zeroed out in the installer's memory.

Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS