USN-8987-1: libuser vulnerabilities
Publication date
3 November 2026
Overview
Several security issues were fixed in libuser.
Releases
Packages
- libuser - user and group account administration library
Details
It was discovered that libuser did not properly validate the GECOS field
when changing user information. A local attacker could possibly use this
issue to corrupt the passwd file, resulting in a denial of service.
(CVE-2015-3245)
It was discovered that libuser modified the passwd file in place when
updating user information. A local attacker could possibly use this issue
to cause an inconsistent file state, resulting in a denial of service, or
possibly escalate privileges. (CVE-2015-3246)
It was discovered that libuser did not properly validate the GECOS field
when changing user information. A local attacker could possibly use this
issue to corrupt the passwd file, resulting in a denial of service.
(CVE-2015-3245)
It was discovered that libuser modified the passwd file in place when
updating user information. A local attacker could possibly use this issue
to cause an inconsistent file state, resulting in a denial of service, or
possibly escalate privileges. (CVE-2015-3246)
Update instructions
In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.
Learn more about how to get the fixes.The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:
| Ubuntu Release | Package Version | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.04 LTS xenial | libuser1 – 1:0.60~dfsg-1.2ubuntu0.1~esm1 | ||
Reduce your security exposure
Ubuntu Pro provides ten-year security coverage to 25,000+ packages in Main and Universe repositories, and it is free for up to five machines.