CVE-2023-5616: Medium severity Gnome Control Center vulnerability

Published Apr 15, 2025
·
Updated

In Ubuntu, gnome-control-center did not properly reflect SSH remote login status when the system was configured to use systemd socket activation for openssh-server. This could unknowingly leave the local machine exposed to remote SSH access contrary to expectation of the user.

Affected Software

9 affected components
Gnome Control Center>=1.3<1.3.36.5-0ubuntu4.1
Gnome Control Center>=1.41<1.41.7-0ubuntu0.22.04.8
Gnome Control Center>=1.44<1.44.0-1ubuntu6.1
Gnome Control Center>=1.45<1.45.0-1ubuntu3.1
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=20.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=22.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=23.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=23.10
debian/gnome-control-center<=1:3.38.4-1, <=1:43.6-2~deb12u1, <=1:48.4-1~deb13u1, <=1:48.4-1

Event History

Apr 15, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:29 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:29 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·07:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Aug 26, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·05:13 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 7, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·05:17 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
Sep 15, 2025
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·05:18 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-5616?

CVE-2023-5616 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential risk of unauthorized remote SSH access.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-5616?

To fix CVE-2023-5616, update gnome-control-center to versions 1:3.36.5-0ubuntu4.1, 1:41.7-0ubuntu0.22.04.8, 1:44.0-1ubuntu6.1, or 1:45.0-1ubuntu3.1 depending on your Ubuntu release.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2023-5616?

CVE-2023-5616 affects Ubuntu systems running specific versions of gnome-control-center along with Debian-based systems.

4

What risks does CVE-2023-5616 pose to users?

CVE-2023-5616 poses the risk of exposing local machines to unauthorized remote SSH access if the remote login status is incorrectly reported.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2023-5616?

While the best solution is to update gnome-control-center, temporarily disabling SSH services can serve as a workaround until a patch is applied.

Contact

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