CVE-2012-1620: Low severity Suckless Slock vulnerability

Published Feb 1, 2012
·
Updated

https://bugs.gentoo.org/showbug.cgi?id=401645

Jeroen Roovers 2012-01-31 17:23:28 UTC

1) In a terminal, I run slock & sleep 5; <some X app>' 2) After about 10 seconds, I press some keys that slock would interpret as a password. 3a) It does not allow me to use <some X app> - all keyboard controls are captured. 3b) Pointer device input is blocked - <some X app> cannot be controlled through the mouse. 4) Entering the correct password unlocks the screen and makes <some X app> focused and in the foreground.

The only harm I see here is a possible unwanted disclosure of the information that <some X app> happens to display at the time, but it's a vulnerability sure enough.

Other sources

slock 0.9 does not properly handle the XRaiseWindow event when the screen is locked, which might allow physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information by pressing a button, which reveals the desktop and active windows.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Suckless Slock=0.9

Event History

Feb 1, 2012
Data Sourced
02:41 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jul 12, 2012
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:00 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2012-1620?

CVE-2012-1620 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow unauthorized access.

2

How do I fix CVE-2012-1620?

To fix CVE-2012-1620, update slock to a version newer than 0.9 that addresses this security issue.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2012-1620?

Users running slock version 0.9 are affected by CVE-2012-1620.

4

What types of systems are vulnerable to CVE-2012-1620?

Linux systems that utilize slock version 0.9 are vulnerable to CVE-2012-1620.

5

What exploits exist for CVE-2012-1620?

Exploits for CVE-2012-1620 can allow an attacker to bypass the lock screen through crafted input.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203