CVE-2025-6018

Name: CVE-2025-6018
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2025-07-23T15:15:34.81+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.96%

Last modified Jun 25, 2026

CVE-2025-6018 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A Local Privilege Escalation (LPE) vulnerability has been discovered in pam-config within Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM). This flaw allows an unprivileged local attacker (for example, a user logged in via SSH) to obtain the elevated privileges normally reserved for a physically present, "allow_active" user. EPSS estimates a 0.96% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A Local Privilege Escalation (LPE) vulnerability has been discovered in pam-config within Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM). This flaw allows an unprivileged local attacker (for example, a user logged in via SSH) to obtain the elevated privileges normally reserved for a physically present, "allow_active" user. The highest risk is that the attacker can then perform all allow_active yes Polkit actions, which are typically restricted to console users, potentially gaining unauthorized control over system configurations, services, or other sensitive operations.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.96%

56.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-863

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Suse	Pam-Config	1.1.8-24.71.1

References

https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-6018Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2372693Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1243226Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://cdn2.qualys.com/2025/06/17/suse15-pam-udisks-lpe.txtExploit, Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/08/28/4
https://cdn2.qualys.com/2025/06/17/suse15-pam-udisks-lpe.txtExploit, Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jul 23, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 25, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-6018?

How severe is CVE-2025-6018?

CVE-2025-6018 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-6018?

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-2025-6018?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST