The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in…
Priority LOW 32CWE-255Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- — Not recorded in CVSS 2.0
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- Complete · Complete · Complete
- Fix status
- No fix listed
Attack profile from CVSS 2.0 · NVD. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
The (1) python-vm-builder and (2) ubuntu-vm-builder implementations in VMBuilder 0.9 in Ubuntu 8.10 omit the -e option when invoking chpasswd with a root:! argument, which configures the root account with a cleartext password of ! (exclamation point) and allows attackers to bypass intended login restrictions.
Why it matters now
EPSS 0.00467 40th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Public exploit Yes 1 exploit referenceTagged by NVD
Fix No fix listed No fixed version in the sources yet
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | all versions | — | No fix listed | CNA |
- — Vendor— Affected all versions Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 5
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:a:dcgrendel:vmbuilder:0.9:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 0.9 | Vulnerable | Dcgrendel |
| cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:6.06:_nil_:lts:*:*:*:*:* | 6.06 _nil_ | Running on | Ubuntu |
| cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:7.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 7.10 | Running on | Ubuntu |
| cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:8.04:_nil_:lts:*:*:*:*:* | 8.04 _nil_ | Running on | Ubuntu |
| cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:8.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 8.10 | Running on | Ubuntu |
- cpe:2.3:a:dcgrendel:vmbuilder:0.9:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 0.9 Vulnerable ·Dcgrendel
- cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:6.06:_nil_:lts:*:*:*:*:* Versions 6.06 _nil_ Running on ·Ubuntu
- cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:7.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 7.10 Running on ·Ubuntu
- cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:8.04:_nil_:lts:*:*:*:*:* Versions 8.04 _nil_ Running on ·Ubuntu
- cpe:2.3:o:ubuntu:ubuntu_linux:8.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 8.10 Running on ·Ubuntu
Remediation
No fixed version listed by the sources yet.
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2008-5103
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-pvrm-qvx6-xc5g
References
More Dcgrendel Vmbuilder vulnerabilities
- TI-2008-04855 Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, 7.10, 8.04 LTS, and 8.10, when installed as a virtual machine by (1)… CVSS 2.0HIGH 7.2
Sources
- CVE-2008-5103 · CVE Program
- CVE-2008-5103 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-pvrm-qvx6-xc5g · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences