CVE-2005-3503: chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly chec

Q: How do I fix CVE-2005-3503?

pwdutils: upgrade to newer than 3.0.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2005-3503 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3503 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2005-3503 affect?

CVE-2005-3503 affects pwdutils. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly check arguments for the GECOS field, which allows local users to gain privileges.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2005-3503?

Priority 57/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2005-3503 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting pwdutils. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly check arguments for the GECOS field, which allows local users to gain privileges.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-11-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pwdutils

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-11-05 11:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pwdutils pwdutils UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.0.4

Fixed in: newer than 3.0.4

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pwdutils || rpm -q pwdutils || pwdutils --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.0.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pwdutils

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pwdutils

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Linux chfn (SuSE 9.3/10) - Local Privilege Escalation

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-2005-3503?

pwdutils: upgrade to newer than 3.0.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-3503 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3503 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-2005-3503 affect?

CVE-2005-3503 affects pwdutils. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). chfn in pwdutils 3.0.4 and earlier on SuSE Linux, and possibly other operating systems, does not properly check arguments for the GECOS field, which allows local users to gain privileges.

How urgent is CVE-2005-3503?

Priority 57/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

References

← Back to latest CVEs