GLSA 200410-26: socat: Format string vulnerability

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	socat: Format string vulnerability
Date:	10/25/2004
Bugs:	#68547
ID:	200410-26

Synopsis

socat contains a format string vulnerability that can potentially lead to remote or local execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process.

Background

socat is a multipurpose bidirectional relay, similar to netcat.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
net-misc/socat	< 1.4.0.3	>= 1.4.0.3	All supported architectures

Description

socat contains a syslog() based format string vulnerablility in the '_msg()' function of 'error.c'. Exploitation of this bug is only possible when socat is run with the '-ly' option, causing it to log messages to syslog.

Impact

Remote exploitation is possible when socat is used as a HTTP proxy client and connects to a malicious server. Local privilege escalation can be achieved when socat listens on a UNIX domain socket. Potential execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process is possible with both local and remote exploitations.

Workaround

Disable logging to syslog by not using the '-ly' option when starting socat.

Resolution

All socat users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-misc/socat-1.4.0.3"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200410-26.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.