CVE-2019-16729: pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which

Q: How do I fix CVE-2019-16729?

pam-python: upgrade to 1.0.7-1; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2019-16729 being exploited?

CVE-2019-16729 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-2019-16729 affect?

CVE-2019-16729 affects pam-python, debian linux, ubuntu linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2019-16729?

Priority 40/100. High severity; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-16729 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pam-python, debian linux, ubuntu linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

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 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2019-09-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: canonical · debian · pam-python project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-09-24 05:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pam-python project pam-python UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.0.7-1

Fixed in: 1.0.7-1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pam-python || rpm -q pam-python || pam-python --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.7-1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pam-python

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pam-python

Note

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

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0 · 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

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.

canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE

Affected: 16.04 · 18.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 16.04

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.

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-2019-16729?

pam-python: upgrade to 1.0.7-1; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-16729 being exploited?

CVE-2019-16729 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-2019-16729 affect?

CVE-2019-16729 affects pam-python, debian linux, ubuntu linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). pam-python before 1.0.7-1 has an issue in regard to the default environment variable handling of Python, which could allow for local root escalation in certain PAM setups.

How urgent is CVE-2019-16729?

Priority 40/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

References

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