CVE-2018-20681

What it is

mate-screensaver before 1.20.2 in MATE Desktop Environment allows physically proximate attackers to view screen content and possibly control applications. By unplugging and re-plugging or power-cycling external output devices (such as additionally attached graphical outputs via HDMI, VGA, DVI, etc.) the content of a screensaver-locked session can be revealed. In some scenarios, the attacker can execute applications, such as by clicking with a mouse.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2019-01-09 23:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:53 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-01-09 23:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:53 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• mate-desktop mate-screensaver < 1.20.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.1

Attack vector

Physical

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None

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-2018-20681.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-20681. 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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