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CVE-2018-20839

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext...

4.3 MediumFix available

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Attack profile

How easy it is to exploit

Attack vector
Physical
Complexity
Low
Privileges needed
None
User interaction
Required

What an attacker can affect

Confidentiality
High
Integrity
None
Availability
None

Exploit likelihood

2.48%Up 1.0 points since Apr 14, 2021
90%50%10%1%

What each source reports

NVD Score used 4.3

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
CVE-2018-20839
CVSS 3.1
4.3 MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
CVSS 2.0
4.3 MediumAV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
Updated
2026-11-02
CVE List No score

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
CVE-2018-20839
Updated
2026-11-02
EUVDEUVD-2018-13379 No score

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
EUVD-2018-13379
Updated
2026-11-03
GitHub AdvisoriesGHSA-5cwj-wmj7-j224 9.8

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext...

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
GHSA-5cwj-wmj7-j224
CVSS 3.1
9.8 CriticalCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness
CWE-200
Updated
2026-11-02
OSV 4.3

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
CVE-2018-20839
CVSS 3.1
4.3 MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Updated
2026-11-02
OSVDEBIAN-CVE-2018-20839 4.3

systemd 242 changes the VT1 mode upon a logout, which allows attackers to read cleartext passwords in certain circumstances, such as watching a shutdown, or using Ctrl-Alt-F1 and Ctrl-Alt-F2. This occurs because the KDGKBMODE (aka current keyboard mode) check is mishandled.

Record
DEBIAN-CVE-2018-20839
CVSS 3.1
4.3 MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Updated
2026-11-02

Affected products

Affected packages

Affected packages
PackageAffectedFixed
plymouth
Debian:12
 before 0.9.4-1
0.9.4-1
plymouth
Debian:13
 before 0.9.4-1
0.9.4-1
plymouth
Debian:14
 before 0.9.4-1
0.9.4-1

History

History
RecordedChangedSources
aliasesEUVD
first indexedCVE List, GitHub Advisories, NVD, OSV

Dates are when Every CVE recorded each change. Upstream dates may differ.

In short

CVE-2018-20839 is a medium vulnerability (CVSS 4.3) in Systemd Project Systemd, published May 17, 2019. No source lists public exploit code. EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 2.48%, the 84th percentile. Fixed in plymouth 0.9.4-1.

References

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