CVE-2001-1175: vipw in the util-linux package before 2.10 causes /etc/shadow to be world-readable in some cases, which would

Routine

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-1175 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting util-linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

vipw in the util-linux package before 2.10 causes /etc/shadow to be world-readable in some cases, which would make it easier for local users to perform brute force password guessing.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-04-01
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: andries brouwer

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-04-01 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

andries brouwer util-linux DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.10s · 2.11d

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.10s

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy util-linux || rpm -q util-linux || util-linux --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.10s (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison util-linux sudo apt install util-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.10s> sudo apt-mark hold util-linux

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list util-linux sudo dnf downgrade util-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.10s> sudo dnf versionlock add util-linux

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2001-1175?

util-linux: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-1175 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1175 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2001-1175 affect?

CVE-2001-1175 affects util-linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). vipw in the util-linux package before 2.10 causes /etc/shadow to be world-readable in some cases, which would make it easier for local users to perform brute force password guessing.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1175?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

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CVE-2026-3184 LOW 3.7 MITIGATE MITIGATE A flaw was found in util-linux
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References

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