June 2006

ID: 00412
Ref: 401/06
Date: 13 June 2006:15:26:23
Version: 1

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Title: Gentoo - GDM: Privilege escalation [GLSA 200606-14]
Abstract: An authentication error in GDM could allow users to gain elevated privileges.
Vendors affected: Gentoo
Operating systems affected: Gentoo
Applications affected: Gentoo

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200606-14
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http://security.gentoo.org/
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Severity: High
Title: GDM: Privilege escalation
Date: June 12, 2006
Bugs: #135027
ID: 200606-14

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Synopsis
========

An authentication error in GDM could allow users to gain elevated
privileges.

Background
==========

GDM is the GNOME display manager.

Affected packages
=================

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Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 gnome-base/gdm < 2.8.0.8 >= 2.8.0.8

Description
===========

GDM allows a normal user to access the configuration manager.

Impact
======

When the "face browser" in GDM is enabled, a normal user can use the
"configure login manager" with his/her own password instead of the root
password, and thus gain additional privileges.

Workaround
==========

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution
==========

All GDM users should upgrade to the latest version:

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=gnome-base/gdm-2.8.0.8"

References
==========

[ 1 ] Gnome Bugzilla entry
http://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=343476
[ 2 ] CVE-2006-2452
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=2006-2452

Availability
============

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:

http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200606-14.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 2006 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