NetworkManager-vpnc: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
CVE-2026-91841 is a high-severity improper neutralization of CRLF sequences vulnerability in NetworkManager-vpnc from GNOME, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected NetworkManager-vpnc versions: all versions. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.19% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of NetworkManager-vpnc you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNOME | NetworkManager-vpnc | all versions | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (puiterwijk.org).
Official description
A flaw was found in NetworkManager-vpnc, a VPN plugin for NetworkManager. A local unprivileged user can exploit this vulnerability by injecting a newline character into the CA-File path. This manipulation allows the user to execute arbitrary commands as the root user, leading to local privilege escalation.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
The product uses CRLF (carriage return line feeds) as a special element, e.g. to separate lines or records, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes CRLF sequences from inputs.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Appropriately filter or quote CRLF sequences in user-controlled input.
More Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities (CWE-93)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in NetworkManager-vpnc
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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