CVE-2015-3213 in Clutter
Summary
by MITRE
The gesture handling code in Clutter before 1.16.2 allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the lock screen via certain (1) mouse or (2) touch gestures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3213 resides within the Clutter graphics library version 1.16.2 and earlier, specifically targeting the gesture handling mechanisms that govern user interactions with graphical interfaces. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in desktop environment protection systems, where the lock screen functionality fails to properly validate user gestures that could potentially circumvent authentication barriers. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize Clutter for graphical user interface components, particularly those implementing gesture-based interaction patterns for navigation and control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input gestures within the Clutter framework's event processing pipeline. When users interact with locked screens through mouse movements or touch inputs, the system should enforce strict authentication requirements before processing any gesture commands. However, the flawed implementation allows malicious actors to exploit timing and proximity relationships between physical input events to trigger unauthorized actions. Attackers can manipulate the sequence and spatial relationships of mouse or touch gestures to bypass the lock screen authentication process, effectively gaining access to systems without proper credentials. This weakness operates at the intersection of input event handling and security boundary enforcement, where the gesture recognition system fails to properly authenticate the legitimacy of user intent.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3213 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential vectors for broader system compromise within environments where physical proximity attacks are feasible. Attackers with access to a locked device can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, or manipulate system settings without proper authorization. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes scenarios where attackers might be physically present at workstations, kiosks, or public terminals where the lock screen serves as the primary security barrier. This vulnerability particularly impacts desktop environments using Clutter-based window managers, desktop environments, or applications that rely on the library for gesture recognition features. The risk is amplified in enterprise settings where multiple users share workstations or where physical security controls are inadequate, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring network access or complex attack infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3213 should prioritize immediate software updates to Clutter version 1.16.2 or later, which contain patches addressing the gesture validation flaws. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems utilizing affected Clutter versions and implement remediation procedures across all desktop environments. Additional protective measures include strengthening physical security controls around devices, implementing additional authentication layers beyond lock screen protection, and monitoring for suspicious input patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1547.001, concerning registry run keys and startup folder persistence. System administrators should also consider implementing device-level security controls such as secure boot mechanisms and input validation policies that can detect and prevent unauthorized gesture sequences from being processed. Organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in graphical frameworks and ensure their security policies account for physical access threats in addition to traditional network-based attacks.