CVE-2015-0885: checkpw 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a -- (dash d

Q: How do I fix CVE-2015-0885?

debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; checkpw: upgrade to newer than 1.02. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2015-0885 being exploited?

CVE-2015-0885 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-2015-0885 affect?

CVE-2015-0885 affects debian linux, checkpw. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). checkpw 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a -- (dash dash) in a username.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2015-0885?

Priority 44/100. On your watchlist

This month

MEDIUM 5.0WATCHLISTMITIGATEUPGRADE

CVE-2015-0885 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting debian linux, checkpw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

checkpw 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a -- (dash dash) in a username.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-399
Published	2015-02-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): JPCERT/CC · Vendor: checkpw project · debian

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2015-02-28 02:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

checkpw project checkpw UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.02

Fixed in: newer than 1.02

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.02 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade checkpw

Note

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

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-2015-0885?

debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; checkpw: upgrade to newer than 1.02. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2015-0885 being exploited?

CVE-2015-0885 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-2015-0885 affect?

CVE-2015-0885 affects debian linux, checkpw. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). checkpw 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a -- (dash dash) in a username.

How urgent is CVE-2015-0885?

Priority 44/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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