CVE-2006-2452 in Display Manager
Summary
by MITRE
GNOME GDM 2.8, 2.12, 2.14, and 2.15, when the "face browser" feature is enabled, allows local users to access the "Configure Login Manager" functionality using their own password instead of the root password, which can be leveraged to gain additional privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2452 affects the GNOME Display Manager (GDM) versions 2.8, 2.12, 2.14, and 2.15, specifically when the "face browser" feature is enabled. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the security model of the display manager. The face browser feature typically allows users to select login images or avatars from a graphical interface, but in this case it creates an unintended access path that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which directly relates to improper access control implementation in the software's authentication system.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the GDM configuration interface. When the face browser is enabled, local users can exploit a design oversight that allows them to access the "Configure Login Manager" functionality using only their own user password rather than requiring the root password typically needed for administrative access. This misconfiguration creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation, as users can manipulate system-level settings that should normally be restricted to root-level administrators. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where normal user accounts gain access to administrative functions through an unintended code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local users to gain elevated privileges on systems running affected GDM versions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify login manager settings, potentially disabling security features, creating new user accounts, or altering system configurations that affect authentication mechanisms. This privilege escalation capability can serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the system, allowing attackers to establish persistent access or compromise other system components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be more readily available to unprivileged users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected GDM versions to the latest secure releases, which address the authentication bypass issue through proper access control implementation. Organizations should disable the face browser feature entirely if it is not required for their operational needs, as this removes the attack surface associated with the vulnerability. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to login manager configuration interfaces and ensure that proper access controls are in place for all system management functions. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that authentication mechanisms are properly enforcing privilege levels, and security frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix should be referenced to understand potential exploitation patterns and defensive measures against such privilege escalation techniques.