CVE-2011-3349: lightdm before 0.9.6 writes in .dmrc and Xauthority files using root permissions while the files are in user c

Q: How do I fix CVE-2011-3349?

lightdm: upgrade to 0.9.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2011-3349 being exploited?

CVE-2011-3349 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2011-3349 affect?

CVE-2011-3349 affects lightdm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). lightdm before 0.9.6 writes in .dmrc and Xauthority files using root permissions while the files are in user controlled folders. A local user can overwrite root-owned files via a symlink, which can allow possible privilege escalation.

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2011-3349 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting lightdm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lightdm before 0.9.6 writes in .dmrc and Xauthority files using root permissions while the files are in user controlled folders. A local user can overwrite root-owned files via a symlink, which can allow possible privilege escalation.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2019-11-19
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: lightdm project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-11-19 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:33 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lightdm project lightdm UPGRADE

Affected: < 0.9.6

Fixed in: 0.9.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 0.9.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade lightdm

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade lightdm

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2011-3349?

lightdm: upgrade to 0.9.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2011-3349 being exploited?

CVE-2011-3349 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-2011-3349 affect?

CVE-2011-3349 affects lightdm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). lightdm before 0.9.6 writes in .dmrc and Xauthority files using root permissions while the files are in user controlled folders. A local user can overwrite root-owned files via a symlink, which can allow possible privilege escalation.

How urgent is CVE-2011-3349?

Priority 35/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-8900 MEDIUM 4.6 UPGRADE LightDM through 1.22.0, when systemd is used in Ubuntu 16.10 and 17.x, allows physically proximate attackers t
CVE-2017-7358 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE MITIGATE In LightDM through 1.22.0, a directory traversal issue in debian/guest-account.sh allows local attackers to ow
CVE-2015-8316 MEDIUM 5.9 DOWNGRADE Array index error in LightDM (aka Light Display Manager) 1.14.3, 1.16.x before 1.16.6 when the XDMCP server is

References

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