#VU41744 Input validation error in gnome-shell - CVE-2013-7220

Vulnerability identifier: #VU41744

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2013-7220

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
gnome-shell
Client/Desktop applications / Software for system administration

Vendor: Gnome Development Team

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to read and manipulate data.

js/ui/screenShield.js in GNOME Shell (aka gnome-shell) before 3.8 allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary commands by leveraging an unattended workstation with the keyboard focus on the Activities search. Per: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/77.html "CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')"

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

gnome-shell: 3.0.0 - 3.0.2, 3.1.3 - 3.1.92, 3.2.0 - 3.2.2.1, 3.3.2 - 3.3.92, 3.4.0 - 3.4.2, 3.5.2 - 3.5.92, 3.6.0 - 3.6.3.1, 3.7.1 - 3.7.91

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External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2013/12/27/4
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2013/12/27/6
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2013/12/27/8
https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=686740
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1030431
https://github.com/o2platform/DefCon_RESTing/tree/master/Live-Demos/Neo4j

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.