PatchTheCVECVE-2016-20014: In pam_tacplus.c in pam_tacplus before 1.4.1, pam_sm_acct_mgmt does not zero out the arep data structure.
CVE-2016-20014 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting pam tacplus. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
In pam_tacplus.c in pam_tacplus before 1.4.1, pam_sm_acct_mgmt does not zero out the arep data structure.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.3% (top 30%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2022-04-21 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2016-20014?
pam tacplus: upgrade to 1.4.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-20014 being exploited?
CVE-2016-20014 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-2016-20014 affect?
CVE-2016-20014 affects pam tacplus. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In pam_tacplus.c in pam_tacplus before 1.4.1, pam_sm_acct_mgmt does not zero out the arep data structure.
How urgent is CVE-2016-20014?
Priority 57/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Related CVEs
- CVE-2020-27743 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE libtac in pam_tacplus through 1.5.1 lacks a check for a failure of RAND_bytes()/RAND_pseudo_bytes()