GLSA 200407-20: Subversion: Vulnerability in mod_authz_svn

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	low
Title:	Subversion: Vulnerability in mod_authz_svn
Date:	07/26/2004
Bugs:	#57747
ID:	200407-20

Synopsis

Users with write access to parts of a Subversion repository may bypass read restrictions in mod_authz_svn and read any part of the repository they wish.

Background

Subversion is an advanced version control system, similar to CVS, which supports additional functionality such as the ability to move, copy and delete files and directories. A Subversion server may be run as an Apache module, a standalone server (svnserve), or on-demand over ssh (a la CVS' ":ext:" protocol). The mod_authz_svn Apache module works with Subversion in Apache to limit access to parts of Subversion repositories based on policy set by the administrator.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-util/subversion	<= 1.0.4-r1	>= 1.0.6	All supported architectures

Description

Users with write access to part of a Subversion repository may bypass read restrictions on any part of that repository. This can be done using an "svn copy" command to copy the portion of a repository the user wishes to read into an area where they have write access.

Since copies are versioned, any such copy attempts will be readily apparent.

Impact

This is a low-risk vulnerability. It affects only users of Subversion who are running servers inside Apache and using mod_authz_svn. Additionally, this vulnerability may be exploited only by users with write access to some portion of a repository.

Workaround

Keep sensitive content separated into different Subversion repositories, or disable the Apache Subversion server and use svnserve instead.

Resolution

All Subversion users should upgrade to the latest available version:

    # emerge sync
    
    # emerge -pv ">=dev-util/subversion-1.0.6"
    # emerve ">=dev-util/subversion-1.0.6"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200407-20.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.