Vulnerability identifier: #VU48381

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-16125

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
gdm3 (Ubuntu package)
Operating systems & Components / Operating system package or component

Vendor: Canonical Ltd.

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to unresponsive accounts-daemon, which leads to security restrictions bypass and privilege escalation.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

gdm3 (Ubuntu package): 2.28.1-1 - 3.34.1-1ubuntu1

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External links
http://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gdm3/+bug/1900314
http://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gdm/-/issues/642
http://securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2020-202-gdm3-LPE-unresponsive-accounts-daemon

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.