Sudo before 1.9.17p1 allows local users to obtain root access because /etc/nsswitch.conf from a user-controlled directory is used with the -
Sudo 1.9.14 through 1.9.17 is affected when the -R (--chroot) option is used with a user-selected root directory. Fixed in 1.9.17p1.
- Published
- Last modified
- Where the record stands: published, rejected by its publisher, or superseded by another id.What do these mean? →
- published
- Whether CISA lists it in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: proof that attackers are using it.What do these mean? →
- Listed in CISA KEV
- How many real-world setups can hit the bug, from the vendor's advisory and CISA data. It does not know your setup.What do these mean? →
- Actively exploited
- Fix
- Fixed in 1.9.17p1
- Whether working attack code is public (Exploit-DB, Metasploit, Nuclei or GitHub). Public code makes attacks easier.What do these mean? →
- None on Exploit-DB, Metasploit or GitHub
Summary
Sudo, a widely used command-line tool on Linux and Unix systems that lets permitted users run commands as another user, is affected by this flaw. A local user with access to the system could exploit it to gain full root (administrator) privileges.
Summarized by anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5. Verify details against the original sources.
Read the original description
Sudo before 1.9.17p1 allows local users to obtain root access because /etc/nsswitch.conf from a user-controlled directory is used with the --chroot option.
Timeline
- CVE published
- Added to CISA KEV
CISA has evidence of exploitation in the wild
- CISA remediation deadline
Due date for US federal agencies to patch
- Record last updated
- EPSS reached 10%
FIRST estimates at least a 10% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Affected versions
- Sudo project Sudo
From 1.9.14 · fixed in 1.9.17p1
References 15
stratascale.com
openwall.com
access.redhat.com
ubuntu.com
security-tracker.debian.org
explore.alas.aws.amazon.com
bugs.gentoo.org
secpod.com
Questions about CVE-2025-32463
What does this mean?
When Sudo runs with the -R (--chroot) option and a user-selected root directory, it can read /etc/nsswitch.conf from a directory the user controls. The advisory says a local user may then be able to run arbitrary commands as root.Source: sudo.ws
Am I affected, and how do I check?
Sudo versions 1.9.14 through 1.9.17 are affected, on systems that support /etc/nsswitch.conf and where the -R (--chroot) option is used with a user-selected root directory. To check a version, run sudo -V.Source: sudo.ws
What should I do about it?
Upgrade Sudo to 1.9.17p1 or later, the release that fixes this bug.Source: sudo.ws
Is it being exploited?
Yes. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-09-29, which means it has evidence of attacks. No public exploit code is tracked.Source: cisa.gov, cve.now feed data