CVE-2022-0563

util-linux: partial disclosure of arbitrary files in chfn and chsh when compiled with libreadline

Published Feb 21, 2022 CVSS 3.1 · 5.5 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A flaw was found in the util-linux chfn and chsh utilities when compiled with Readline support. The Readline library uses an "INPUTRC" environment variable to get a path to the library config file. When the library cannot parse the specified file, it prints an error message containing data from the file. This flaw allows an unprivileged user to read root-owned files, potentially leading to privilege escalation. This flaw affects util-linux versions prior to 2.37.4.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2022-15682 A flaw was found in the util-linux chfn and chsh utilities when compiled with Readline support. The Readline library uses an "INPUTRC" environment variable to get a path to the library config file. When the library cannot parse the specified file, it prints an error message containing data from the file. This flaw allows an unprivileged user to read root-owned files, potentially leading to privilege escalation. This flaw affects util-linux versions prior to 2.37.4.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
redhat
Published
Updated
Oct 14, 2026, 12:12 PM
Reserved
Feb 10, 2022, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Feb 21, 2022, 7:15 PM
Modified
Oct 14, 2026, 1:17 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Feb 14, 2022, 11:00 AM