GLSA 200412-07: file: Arbitrary code execution

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	file: Arbitrary code execution
Date:	12/13/2004
Bugs:	#72521
ID:	200412-07

Synopsis

The code for parsing ELF headers in file contains a flaw which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Background

file is a utility used to identify the type of a file.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
sys-apps/file	< 4.12	>= 4.12	All supported architectures

Description

A possible stack overflow has been found in the ELF header parsing code of file.

Impact

An attacker may be able to create a specially crafted ELF file which, when processed with file, may allow the execution of arbitrary code.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All file users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/file-4.12"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200412-07.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.