CVE-2008-5103

Name: CVE-2008-5103
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2008-11-17T18:18:48.017+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.47%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2008-5103 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.. EPSS estimates a 0.47% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.47%

37.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-255

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Dcgrendel	Vmbuilder	0.9

References

Timeline

Published: Nov 17, 2008
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2008-5103?

How severe is CVE-2008-5103?

Severity scoring for CVE-2008-5103 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.47% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2008-5103?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2008-5103?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST