Richard,

Key words in the article, IMO are: 

"To exploit the vulnerability an attacker would still
need to guess the correct X-Windows password, but
given the lame passwords many users pick this is
hardly a high enough barrier."

Poor password choice - especially for key UIDs such as
root - are the true Archilles Heel of *all* systems,
regardless of other security measures taken.  

Ron.


--- RichardA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The Register says MDK 8 & 8.1 will let anyone who
> can guess the root password 
> log in to any online box:
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/24447.html
> The relevant text in the linked to page is :
> 
> LINUX
> 1. Login as root.
> 2. Open /etc/X11/kdm/Xaccess in editor.
> 3. Comment out the following two lines, by adding
> "#" (without quotes) to the 
> beginning of each line: * #any host can get a login
> window * CHOOSER 
> BROADCAST #any indirect host can get a chooser
> 4. Save your changes, and then close the file.
> 
> Except that mine is in xdm, not kdm. Also, if the
> relevant port is blocked, 
> presumably nothing can happen. I hope I've got the
> wrong end of the stick on 
> this one, but just in case, here it is.
> 
> Whilst I'm here, has anyone any ideas about my
> pcmcia notwork card problem 
> (posted yesterday)? :-)
> 
> Richard
> 
> > Want to buy your Pack or Services from
MandrakeSoft?
> 
> Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
> 


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