CVE-2020-16125
gdm3 would start gnome-initial-setup if it cannot contact accountservice
- Published
- Nov 10, 2020
- Updated
- Sep 17, 2024
- Assigning CNA
- canonical
- Evidence observed
- Aug 5, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:HLow · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 63.9%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
Summary
gdm3 versions before 3.36.2 or 3.38.2 would start gnome-initial-setup if gdm3 can't contact the accountservice service via dbus in a timely manner; on Ubuntu (and potentially derivatives) this could be be chained with an additional issue that could allow a local user to create a new privileged account.
Sources
1Reproduction of CVE-2020-16125, a local privilege escalation in Ubuntu gdm3. Demonstrates how crashing accountsservice triggers gnome-initial-setup to create a privileged account.
Responsible use
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