GLSA 200511-09: Lynx: Arbitrary command execution

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	Lynx: Arbitrary command execution
Date:	11/13/2005
Bugs:	#112213
ID:	200511-09

Synopsis

Lynx is vulnerable to an issue which allows the remote execution of arbitrary commands.

Background

Lynx is a fully-featured WWW client for users running cursor-addressable, character-cell display devices such as vt100 terminals and terminal emulators.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
www-client/lynx	< 2.8.5-r2	>= 2.8.5-r2	All supported architectures

Description

iDefense labs discovered a problem within the feature to execute local cgi-bin programs via the "lynxcgi:" URI handler. Due to a configuration error, the default settings allow websites to specify commands to run as the user running Lynx.

Impact

A remote attacker can entice a user to access a malicious HTTP server, causing Lynx to execute arbitrary commands.

Workaround

Disable "lynxcgi" links by specifying the following directive in lynx.cfg:

    TRUSTED_LYNXCGI:none

Resolution

All Lynx users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=www-client/lynx-2.8.5-r2"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200511-09.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.