CVE-2022-40297: UBports Ubuntu Touch 16.04 allows the screen-unlock passcode to be used for a privileged shell via Sudo

This month

HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTMITIGATE

CVE-2022-40297 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting ubuntu touch. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

UBports Ubuntu Touch 16.04 allows the screen-unlock passcode to be used for a privileged shell via Sudo. This passcode is only four digits, far below typical length/complexity for a user account's password. NOTE: a third party states "The described attack cannot be executed as demonstrated.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2022-09-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ubports

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-09-09 00:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ubports ubuntu touch MITIGATE

Affected: 16.04

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-2022-40297?

ubuntu touch: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-40297 being exploited?

CVE-2022-40297 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-2022-40297 affect?

CVE-2022-40297 affects ubuntu touch. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). UBports Ubuntu Touch 16.04 allows the screen-unlock passcode to be used for a privileged shell via Sudo. This passcode is only four digits, far below typical length/complexity for a user account's password. NOTE: a third party states "The d

How urgent is CVE-2022-40297?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Sudo vulnerabilities

References

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