gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200804-12 / gnome-screensaver
Release Date	April 11, 2008
Latest Revision	April 11, 2008: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

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

Related bugreports: #213940

Synopsis

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

2. Impact Information

Background

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

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.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

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

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

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

4. References

Page updated April 11, 2008

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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