CVE-2018-20681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

MATE Desktop Environment's mate-screensaver version prior to 1.20.2 has a vulnerability that allows nearby attackers to observe screen contents and potentially manipulate applications.

Understanding CVE-2018-20681

This CVE involves a security flaw in the mate-screensaver component of the MATE Desktop Environment, enabling attackers to view screen content and potentially control applications.

What is CVE-2018-20681?

The vulnerability in mate-screensaver version before 1.20.2 permits physically proximate attackers to reveal screen content and potentially execute applications by manipulating external output devices.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20681

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by disconnecting and reconnecting or power-cycling external output devices while a session is locked by the screensaver, potentially leading to unauthorized access and application manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20681

This section provides detailed technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The mate-screensaver vulnerability allows attackers to view screen content and potentially control applications by manipulating external output devices during a locked session.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MATE Desktop Environment
Vendor: MATE Desktop Environment
Versions affected: mate-screensaver versions prior to 1.20.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by disconnecting and reconnecting or power-cycling external output devices while the screensaver-locked session is active.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20681 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update mate-screensaver to version 1.20.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid leaving sessions locked and unattended in potentially insecure environments.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices.
Regularly monitor and audit external output devices for any suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by MATE Desktop Environment to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-20681.