How severe is CVE-2009-4642?

CVE-2009-4642 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2009-4642 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-4642?

CVE-2009-4642 affects Gnome Screensaver. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-4642?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2009-4642 published?

CVE-2009-4642 was published on 2010-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-4642

CVE-2009-4642 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnome Screensaver with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (26th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Gnome Screensaver
Published: 2010-02-11
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

gnome-screensaver 2.26.1 relies on the gnome-session D-Bus interface to determine session idle time, even when an Xfce desktop such as Xubuntu or Mythbuntu is used, which allows physically proximate attackers to access an unattended workstation on which screen locking had been intended.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-4642?: gnome-screensaver 2.26.1 relies on the gnome-session D-Bus interface to determine session idle time, even when an Xfce desktop such as Xubuntu or Mythbuntu is used, which allows physically proximate attackers to access an unattended workstation on which screen locking had been intended.
How severe is CVE-2009-4642?: CVE-2009-4642 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2009-4642 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-4642?: CVE-2009-4642 affects Gnome Screensaver. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-4642?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-4642 published?: CVE-2009-4642 was published on 2010-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnome:screensaver:2.26.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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