[ GLSA 200804-12 ] gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation (GLSA 200804-12)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: local
Date: April 11, 2008
Bug(s): #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: gnome-extra/gnome-screensaver
Vulnerable: < 2.20.0-r3
Unaffected: >= 2.20.0-r3
Architectures: 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: