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

[Raphael Marichez <falco () gentoo org>]

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory                           GLSA 200804-12
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                                            http://security.gentoo.org/
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  Severity: Normal
     Title: gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation
      Date: April 11, 2008
      Bugs: #213940
        ID: 200804-12

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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
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  gnome-extra/gnome-screensaver      < 2.20.0-r3       >= 2.20.0-r3

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
==========

  [ 1 ] CVE-2008-0887
        http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0887
  [ 2 ] GLSA 200705-14
        http://www.gentoo.org/security/en/glsa/glsa-200705-14.xml

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
http://bugs.gentoo.org.

License
=======

Copyright 2008 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text
belongs to its owner(s).

The contents of this document are licensed under the
Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5

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