GLSA 200610-07: Python: Buffer Overflow

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	Python: Buffer Overflow
Date:	10/17/2006
Bugs:	#149065
ID:	200610-07

Synopsis

A buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function can be exploited to cause a Denial of Service and potentially allows the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform programming language.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/python	< 2.4.3-r4	>= 2.4.3-r4	All supported architectures

Description

Benjamin C. Wiley Sittler discovered a buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function when handling UTF-32/UCS-4 encoded strings.

Impact

If a Python application processes attacker-supplied data with the "repr()" function, this could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or a Denial of Service.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Python users should update to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/python-2.4.3-r4"

References

CVE-2006-4980

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200610-07.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.