CVE-2017-6590

6.3 MEDIUM 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

An issue was discovered in network-manager-applet (aka network-manager-gnome) in Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, 14.04 LTS, 16.04 LTS, and 16.10. A local attacker could use this issue at the default Ubuntu login screen to access local files and execute arbitrary commands as the lightdm user. The exploitation requires physical access to the locked computer and the Wi-Fi must be turned on. An access point that lets you use a certificate to login is required as well, but it's easy to create one. Then, it's possible to open a nautilus window and browse directories. One also can open some applications such as Firefox, which is useful for downloading malicious binaries.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited with physical access with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2017-03-09 19:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 01:22 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 6.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2017-03-09 19:59 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 01:22 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-863 · Incorrect authorization
Record status: Modified

Affected

Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.10

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.3

Attack vector: Physical
Complexity: High
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.0/AV:P/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2017-6590.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2017-6590. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record