GLSA 200804-12: gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation
Date:	04/11/2008
Bugs:	#213940
ID:	200804-12

Synopsis

gnome-screensaver allows local users to bypass authentication under certain configurations.

Background

gnome-screensaver is a screensaver, designed to integrate with the Gnome desktop, that can replace xscreensaver.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
gnome-extra/gnome-screensaver	< 2.20.0-r3	>= 2.20.0-r3	All supported architectures

Description

gnome-screensaver incorrectly handles the results of the getpwuid() function in the file src/setuid.c when using directory servers (like NIS) during a network outage, a similar issue to GLSA 200705-14.

Impact

A local user can crash gnome-xscreensaver by preventing network connectivity if the system uses a remote directory service for credentials such as NIS or LDAP, which will unlock the screen.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All gnome-screensaver users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=gnome-extra/gnome-screensaver-2.20.0-r3"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200804-12.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.