CVE-2011-4338: Shaman 1.0.9: Users can add the line askforpwd=false to his shaman.conf file, without entering the root passwo

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2011-4338 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting shaman. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Shaman 1.0.9: Users can add the line askforpwd=false to his shaman.conf file, without entering the root password in shaman. The next time shaman is run, root privileges are granted despite the fact that the user never entered the root password.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-287
Published	2020-02-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: shaman project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-02-12 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:34 UTCUpdated Record last modified

shaman project shaman DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.9

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison shaman sudo apt install shaman=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.9> sudo apt-mark hold shaman

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

dnf --showduplicates list shaman sudo dnf downgrade shaman-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.9> sudo dnf versionlock add shaman

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-2011-4338?

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

Is CVE-2011-4338 being exploited?

CVE-2011-4338 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-2011-4338 affect?

CVE-2011-4338 affects shaman. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Shaman 1.0.9: Users can add the line askforpwd=false to his shaman.conf file, without entering the root password in shaman. The next time shaman is run, root privileges are granted despite the fact that the user never entered the root passw

How urgent is CVE-2011-4338?

Priority 41/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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