CVE-2019-3820 : What You Need to Know

Researchers discovered a vulnerability in the gnome-shell lock screen, allowing unauthorized individuals with physical access to exploit keyboard shortcuts.

Understanding CVE-2019-3820

This CVE affects the Gnome Project's gnome-shell starting from version 3.15.91, impacting the lock screen functionality.

What is CVE-2019-3820?

The vulnerability in gnome-shell lock screen from version 3.15.91 enables unauthorized users with physical access to a locked workstation to exploit specific keyboard shortcuts and potentially perform unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3820

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 4.8 (Medium severity) with low impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It requires user interaction and physical access to the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3820

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in gnome-shell lock screen allows unauthorized users to bypass security measures by utilizing specific keyboard shortcuts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: gnome-shell
Vendor: The Gnome Project
Versions affected: since 3.15.91

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized individuals with physical access to a locked workstation can exploit the vulnerability by invoking certain keyboard shortcuts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid leaving workstations unattended in public areas.
Implement screen locking mechanisms when stepping away from the device.
Educate users about the risks of physical access to unattended workstations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch gnome-shell to the latest version.
Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
Monitor and restrict physical access to sensitive workstations.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by The Gnome Project to address the vulnerability in gnome-shell lock screen.