CVE-2008-6514: The Expo plugin in Compiz Fusion 0.7.8 allows local users with physical access to drag the screen saver aside

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6514 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting compiz fusion. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Expo plugin in Compiz Fusion 0.7.8 allows local users with physical access to drag the screen saver aside and access the locked desktop by using Expo mouse shortcuts, a related issue to CVE-2007-3920.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 64%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-264
Published	2009-03-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: compiz

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-03-24 14:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

compiz compiz fusion DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.7.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.7.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy compiz-fusion || rpm -q compiz-fusion || compiz-fusion --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.7.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison compiz-fusion sudo apt install compiz-fusion=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.8> sudo apt-mark hold compiz-fusion

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list compiz-fusion sudo dnf downgrade compiz-fusion-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.8> sudo dnf versionlock add compiz-fusion

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2008-6514?

compiz fusion: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-6514 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6514 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2008-6514 affect?

CVE-2008-6514 affects compiz fusion. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). The Expo plugin in Compiz Fusion 0.7.8 allows local users with physical access to drag the screen saver aside and access the locked desktop by using Expo mouse shortcuts, a related issue to CVE-2007-3920.

How urgent is CVE-2008-6514?

Priority 36/100. Public exploit reference

References

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