XScreenSaver: Privilege escalation

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200705-14 / xscreensaver
Release Date	May 13, 2007
Latest Revision	May 13, 2007: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
x11-misc/xscreensaver	< 5.02	>= 5.02	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #176584

Synopsis

XScreenSaver allows local users to bypass authentication under certain configurations.

2. Impact Information

Background

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

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.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All XScreenSaver users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=x11-misc/xscreensaver-5.02"

4. References

CVE-2007-1859

Updated May 13, 2007

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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