cvedb.io
CVE-2026-72693
HIGH · CVSS 7.8
EPSS exploitation probability: 0%
Published 2026-08-11T09:17:14.340 · Last modified 2026-08-11T09:17:14.340

Summary

`openvt -u` is intended to identify the owner of the current VT and then execute `login` as that user from a privileged context. In the documented `kbrequest`/init usage, the ownership test in `authenticate_user()` relies on `stat("/proc/<pid>/fd/0")`. `stat()` on `/proc/<pid>/fd/0` follows the symlink to the underlying TTY device node. As a result, `buf.st_uid` reflects the owner of the TTY node rather than the owner of the process holding the file descriptor. If the TTY owner returns to `root` or the getty owner after logout while an unprivileged process still has `fd 0` attached to that TTY, the check can incorrectly treat that process as belonging to the privileged console owner. Once that check succeeds, the `-u` path executes a passwordless login as the selected user. In the document

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References

This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Informational only; not professional security advice.