[ GLSA 200705-14 ] XScreenSaver: Privilege escalation

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: XScreenSaver: Privilege escalation (GLSA 200705-14)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: local
Date: May 13, 2007
Bug(s): #176584
ID: 200705-14

Synopsis


XScreenSaver allows local users to bypass authentication under certain
configurations.


Background


XScreenSaver is a widely used screen saver collection shipped on
systems running the X11 Window System.


Affected Packages

Package: x11-misc/xscreensaver
Vulnerable: < 5.02
Unaffected: >= 5.02
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


XScreenSaver incorrectly handles the results of the getpwuid() function
in drivers/lock.c when using directory servers during a network outage.


Impact


A local user can crash 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 XScreenSaver users should upgrade to the latest version: