Local users get to play root?

[Casey Dahlin]

On 11/18/2009 02:44 PM, Konstantin Ryabitsev wrote:
> 2009/11/18 Casey Dahlin <cdahlin at redhat.com>:
>>>> I may be wrong, but I understand that this behaviour of PackageKit
>>>> only applies to users with direct console access (i.e. not remote
>>>> shells). So, only users that are logged in via GDM or TTY would be
>>>> able to perform such tasks.
>>>>
>>>
>>> That's a silly thing to imply we can control. Just because firefox is running on a local console doesn't mean that a vulnerability therein has not allowed it to be ultimately controlled from elsewhere.
> 
> Okay, so someone managed to get local shell via firefox. How does
> installing trusted packages further their nefarious purposes?
> 
>> Addendum: Why do you think sudo would ask an already-logged-in user for his password?
> 
> Because sudo doesn't use policykit? Because sudo gives you full root
> access -- not just ability to install trusted software from trusted
> repositories? Moreover, even sudo doesn't ask me again if I invoke it
> within 5 minutes of using it (or however long it is).
> 
> Regards,

But why is it neccesary? That was more my point.

The answer is: because being associated with a login on the local console doesn't verify that it is a /user/ in control.

--CJD