CVE-2011-1709: GNOME Display Manager (gdm) before 2.32.2, when glib 2.28 is used, enables execution of a web browser with the

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2011-1709 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting gdm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

GNOME Display Manager (gdm) before 2.32.2, when glib 2.28 is used, enables execution of a web browser with the uid of the gdm account, which allows local users to gain privileges via vectors involving the x-scheme-handler/http MIME type.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-264
Published	2011-06-14
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnome

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2011-06-14 17:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnome gdm DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 2.0 · 2.2 · 2.3 · 2.4 · 2.5 · 2.6 · 2.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gdm || rpm -q gdm || gdm --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gdm sudo apt install gdm=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold gdm

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

dnf --showduplicates list gdm sudo dnf downgrade gdm-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add gdm

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-2011-1709?

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

Is CVE-2011-1709 being exploited?

CVE-2011-1709 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-2011-1709 affect?

CVE-2011-1709 affects gdm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). GNOME Display Manager (gdm) before 2.32.2, when glib 2.28 is used, enables execution of a web browser with the uid of the gdm account, which allows local users to gain privileges via vectors involving the x-scheme-handler/http MIME type.

How urgent is CVE-2011-1709?

Priority 35/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2011-0727 MEDIUM 6.9 DOWNGRADE GNOME Display Manager (gdm) 2.x before 2.32.1 allows local users to change the ownership of arbitrary files vi
CVE-2009-2697 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE The Red Hat build script for the GNOME Display Manager (GDM) before 2.16.0-56 on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHE
CVE-2007-3381 LOW 1.5 UPGRADE The GDM daemon in GNOME Display Manager (GDM) before 2.14.13, 2.16.x before 2.16.7, 2.18.x before 2.18.4, and
CVE-2006-6105 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in the host chooser window (gdmchooser) in GNOME Foundation Display Manager (gdm)
CVE-2006-2452 LOW 3.7 DOWNGRADE GNOME GDM 2.8, 2.12, 2.14, and 2.15, when the "face browser" feature is enabled, allows local users to access

References

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