CVE-2014-1949 in Linux Mint
Summary
by MITRE
GTK+ 3.10.9 and earlier, as used in cinnamon-screensaver, gnome-screensaver, and other applications, allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the lock screen by pressing the menu button.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1949 represents a significant security flaw in graphical user interface components that affects multiple desktop environments and screen locking mechanisms. This issue impacts GTK+ versions 3.10.9 and earlier, which are widely deployed across various Linux desktop systems including those utilizing cinnamon-screensaver and gnome-screensaver implementations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the lock screen subsystem, creating a critical weakness that can be exploited by attackers who are physically present in the vicinity of the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through a design oversight in how the GTK+ toolkit handles menu button inputs during screen lock states. Specifically, when users press the menu button on supported devices, the system fails to properly validate whether this input should be processed while the screen is locked. This allows unauthorized individuals to bypass the intended security controls and gain access to the system interface without proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the graphical layer of the operating system, where the screen locker component does not adequately filter or reject menu button presses that could potentially trigger system-level functions or navigate to unprotected interfaces. This represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement within the graphical environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a pathway for attackers to potentially escalate privileges or execute malicious activities within the system. An attacker with physical proximity can exploit this weakness to gain immediate access to running applications, open files, and potentially sensitive data that would normally be protected by the screen lock. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where users rely on screen locking as a primary security control, such as in office environments, public computing spaces, or any location where physical security is assumed. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it a particularly concerning weakness that could be exploited by both casual attackers and more sophisticated threat actors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the security principle that locked systems should remain inaccessible until proper authentication occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1949 should prioritize immediate software updates to GTK+ versions that address the input validation flaw. System administrators should ensure that all affected applications including cinnamon-screensaver, gnome-screensaver, and any other screen locking mechanisms are updated to versions that properly handle menu button inputs during lock states. Additionally, organizations should implement administrative controls that enforce regular patch management procedures and conduct security assessments of graphical interface components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing for user interface components and highlights the need for proper input validation at all levels of the application stack. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional physical security measures such as proximity-based access controls or monitoring systems to detect unauthorized physical access attempts, particularly in high-security environments where this vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.