CVE-2020-16125

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-11-10 05:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:57 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-11-10 05:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:57 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-754

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnome Display Manager < 3.36.2
• Gnome Display Manager < 3.38.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.2

Attack vector

Physical

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2020-16125.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-16125. 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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