mcdope pam_usb up to 0.9.1 on Linux getenv external initialization
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | $0-$5k | 2.05 |
Summary
A vulnerability marked as problematic has been reported in mcdope pam_usb up to 0.9.1 on Linux. This impacts the function getenv. This manipulation causes external initialization.
This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-48980. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. There is not any exploit available.
It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.
Details
A vulnerability has been found in mcdope pam_usb up to 0.9.1 on Linux and classified as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function getenv. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a external initialization vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-454. The product initializes critical internal variables or data stores using inputs that can be modified by untrusted actors. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:
pam_usb provides hardware authentication for Linux using removable media. In versions prior to 0.9.2, getenv() environment variables XRDP_SESSION, DISPLAY and TMUX allow environment variable injection into local-check logic. These environment variables influence whether a current session is local or remote, and a PAM module that runs in the context of setuid binaries (sudo, su), getenv() returns attacker-controlled values whenever the process environment has been manipulated by a local user. This issue has been fixed in version 0.9.2.
It is possible to read the advisory at github.com. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2026-48980 since 05/27/2026. The exploitation appears to be difficult. Attacking locally is a requirement. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit.
Upgrading to version 0.9.2 eliminates this vulnerability. The upgrade is hosted for download at github.com.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Product
Vendor
Name
Version
Website
- Product: https://github.com/mcdope/pam_usb/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.4VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Base Score: 4.5
VulDB Temp Score: 4.3
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CNA Base Score: 6.3
CNA Vector (GitHub_M): 🔒
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: External initializationCWE: CWE-454 / CWE-453
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒
Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No
Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
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| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: UpgradeStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔒
Upgrade: pam_usb 0.9.2
Timeline
05/27/2026 CVE reserved06/19/2026 Advisory disclosed
06/19/2026 VulDB entry created
06/19/2026 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Product: github.comAdvisory: GHSA-qr83-mf3h-fvqr
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2026-48980 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-48980
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-372271
Entry
Created: 06/19/2026 07:43Changes: 06/19/2026 07:43 (66)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
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