GDM: Privilege escalation

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200606-14 / gdm
Release Date	June 12, 2006
Latest Revision	June 19, 2006: 02
Impact	high
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
gnome-base/gdm	< 2.8.0.8	>= 2.8.0.8	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #135027

Synopsis

An authentication error in GDM could allow users to gain elevated privileges.

2. Impact Information

Background

GDM is the GNOME display manager.

Description

GDM allows a normal user to access the configuration manager.

Impact

When the "face browser" in GDM is enabled, a normal user can use the "configure login manager" with his/her own password instead of the root password, and thus gain additional privileges.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All GDM users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=gnome-base/gdm-2.8.0.8"

4. References

Page updated June 12, 2006

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Security Team
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