CVE-2006-7240 in Power Manager
Summary
by MITRE
gnome-power-manager 2.14.0 does not properly implement the lock_on_suspend and lock_on_hibernate settings for locking the screen when the suspend or hibernate button is pressed, which might make it easier for physically proximate attackers to access an unattended laptop via a resume action, a related issue to CVE-2010-2532.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7240 affects gnome-power-manager version 2.14.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the implementation of power management features within the GNOME desktop environment. This issue specifically targets the lock_on_suspend and lock_on_hibernate configuration settings that are designed to secure user sessions when the system enters power-saving modes. The flaw occurs when users configure their systems to lock the screen automatically during suspend or hibernate operations, yet the implementation fails to properly enforce these security measures. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model where the intended protection mechanism becomes ineffective, creating a window of opportunity for unauthorized access.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the improper handling of session locking mechanisms during system power transitions. When a user configures the system to lock the screen upon suspend or hibernate, the gnome-power-manager should ensure that the session is properly secured before entering these low-power states. However, the vulnerability allows the system to enter suspended or hibernated states without properly locking the session, leaving the graphical user interface and all active applications accessible. This creates a scenario where an attacker with physical access to the device can potentially resume the system and gain access to the previously active session without authentication. The flaw essentially undermines the core security principle that systems should maintain protected states during power transitions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users who rely on portable computing devices in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate power management functionality that users expect to work correctly for security purposes. An attacker with physical proximity to an unattended laptop can exploit this vulnerability by simply resuming the system from suspend or hibernate mode, bypassing the intended screen locking mechanism. This creates a persistent security risk where sensitive data, active sessions, and potentially privileged applications remain accessible to unauthorized individuals. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in corporate environments, public spaces, or any location where laptops might be left unattended.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it represents a failure in the security architecture of the desktop environment's power management subsystem. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in the context of session management. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1547.001, which covers registry run keys and startup folder, as the improper session handling during power transitions can be exploited to maintain access to systems. Organizations using affected versions of GNOME desktop environments face significant risk of data breaches, especially when users are not properly educated about the security implications of leaving systems in power-saving modes without proper security configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through system updates and configuration adjustments. Users should upgrade to patched versions of gnome-power-manager that properly implement the lock_on_suspend and lock_on_hibernate settings. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify affected systems and ensure that all desktop environments are updated to versions that address this security flaw. Additionally, organizations should implement mandatory security policies that require users to manually lock their sessions before placing systems into suspend or hibernate modes. The configuration should be audited regularly to ensure that lock settings are properly enforced, and security awareness training should emphasize the importance of manual session locking when using power management features. Organizations may also consider implementing additional security controls such as automatic session timeouts, encrypted storage solutions, and device management policies that prevent unauthorized access during power transitions.