CVE-2012-6111 in gnome-keyring
Summary
by MITRE
gnome-keyring does not discard stored secrets when using gnome_keyring_lock_all_sync function
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6111 affects the gnome-keyring component within the GNOME desktop environment, specifically targeting the improper handling of stored secrets during the locking process. This flaw resides in the gnome_keyring_lock_all_sync function which is responsible for securing sensitive information stored within the keyring system. The issue stems from the function's failure to properly discard or clear stored secrets when initiating the locking operation, leaving potentially sensitive data accessible even when the keyring appears to be secured.
This technical weakness represents a significant security gap that violates fundamental principles of information security and access control. The vulnerability allows for a privilege escalation scenario where an attacker who gains access to a system with an unlocked keyring could potentially retrieve stored passwords, encryption keys, and other sensitive credentials even after the user has initiated the locking process. The flaw operates at the application level within the GNOME keyring subsystem, which is commonly used across Linux distributions to manage user credentials and cryptographic keys for various services and applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6111 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it undermines the trust model that users place in their desktop security mechanisms. When users believe their keyring is locked and secure, they may leave their systems unattended or perform other activities that would be considered acceptable under normal security assumptions. This vulnerability affects desktop environments that rely on gnome-keyring for credential management, including various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and others that implement GNOME as their primary desktop environment. The flaw particularly impacts systems where users store multiple credentials within the keyring, as the exposure of even a single credential could lead to broader compromise of the system or network access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-312, which covers "Sensitive Data Exposure." The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1555.005, "Credentials from Password Stores," as it allows for unauthorized access to stored credentials. The vulnerability exists because the locking mechanism fails to properly implement the secure disposal of sensitive data, creating a persistent exposure window. System administrators and security professionals should consider this flaw when assessing desktop security configurations, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where physical security controls may be insufficient. The remediation involves ensuring that all stored secrets are properly cleared from memory when the lock function is invoked, which typically requires modifications to the gnome-keyring daemon implementation to enforce proper memory sanitization during the locking sequence.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper memory management and secure credential handling within desktop environments. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple functions can create significant security risks when they fail to properly implement security controls. Organizations should ensure that all credential storage systems properly implement secure disposal mechanisms when transitioning from unlocked to locked states, as this vulnerability could be exploited in various attack scenarios including physical access attacks or session hijacking attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of desktop applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data, to prevent similar issues from remaining undetected in production environments.