CVE-2023-29383

shadow: Improper input validation in shadow-utils package utility chfn

Published Apr 14, 2023 CVSS 3.1 · 3.3 Low EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
In Shadow 4.13, it is possible to inject control characters into fields provided to the SUID program chfn (change finger). Although it is not possible to exploit this directly (e.g., adding a new user fails because \n is in the block list), it is possible to misrepresent the /etc/passwd file when viewed. Use of \r manipulations and Unicode characters to work around blocking of the : character make it possible to give the impression that a new user has been added. In other words, an adversary may be able to convince a system administrator to take the system offline (an indirect, social-engineered denial of service) by demonstrating that "cat /etc/passwd" shows a rogue user account.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4130-1 shadow security update
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2023-32955 In Shadow 4.13, it is possible to inject control characters into fields provided to the SUID program chfn (change finger). Although it is not possible to exploit this directly (e.g., adding a new user fails because \n is in the block list), it is possible to misrepresent the /etc/passwd file when viewed. Use of \r manipulations and Unicode characters to work around blocking of the : character make it possible to give the impression that a new user has been added. In other words, an adversary may be able to convince a system administrator to take the system offline (an indirect, social-engineered denial of service) by demonstrating that "cat /etc/passwd" shows a rogue user account.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics epss

{'score': 0.00026}

epss

{'score': 0.00033}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-125
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
mitre
Published
Updated
Oct 14, 2026, 10:55 PM
Reserved
Apr 5, 2023, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Apr 14, 2023, 10:15 PM
Modified
Oct 14, 2026, 11:17 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Apr 15, 2023, 12:00 AM