CVE-2013-2190 in GNOME
Summary
by MITRE
The translate_hierarchy_event function in x11/clutter-device-manager-xi2.c in Clutter, when resuming the system, does not properly handle XIQueryDevice errors when a device has "disappeared," which causes the gnome-shell to crash and allows physically proximate attackers to access the previous gnome-shell session via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2190 resides within the Clutter graphics library, specifically in the translate_hierarchy_event function located in x11/clutter-device-manager-xi2.c. This flaw manifests during system resume operations when the X11 input system encounters devices that have seemingly "disappeared" from the system. The issue represents a classic error handling weakness that can be exploited to disrupt system operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the system resume process, which is a critical operational phase where the system transitions from a suspended state back to active operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error management within the XIQueryDevice function call sequence. When a device is detected as missing during system resume, the translate_hierarchy_event function fails to properly process the error response from the X11 input extension. This improper error handling leads to a segmentation fault or similar crash condition that terminates the gnome-shell process. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-252, which addresses the issue of improper handling of exceptional conditions in software systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of defensive programming practices when dealing with dynamic hardware configurations that can change during system lifecycle operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, creating potential security risks for users. When gnome-shell crashes due to this issue, attackers who are physically proximate to the affected system can potentially access the previous session through unspecified vectors. This access vector represents a significant security concern as it allows for session hijacking or information disclosure without requiring network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability essentially creates a window of opportunity for attackers to leverage the system's instability for unauthorized access to user sessions and potentially sensitive data.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to systems running GNOME Shell with Clutter graphics framework, particularly those that support X11 input extensions. Attackers must be physically present to exploit this vulnerability, as it requires proximity to the target system during resume operations. This proximity requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which covers data staging through local system access. The vulnerability also relates to privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker could gain access to a user session that was previously active before the crash occurred. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a potential denial of service condition that could be exploited to repeatedly crash the desktop environment, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where continuous availability is critical.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms within the Clutter library's input device management code. System administrators should ensure that all Clutter-based applications are updated to versions that address this specific error handling issue. The fix should include robust checking for device existence before attempting to query device information and proper fallback mechanisms when devices are not available. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect frequent gnome-shell crashes or system instability that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular system updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, as it represents a known weakness in the X11 input handling system that has been documented in multiple security advisories.