A new security update has been released for Gentoo Linux - gnome-screensaver: Privilege escalation. Here the announcement:
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
