GLSA 200710-18: util-linux: Local privilege escalation

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	high
Title:	util-linux: Local privilege escalation
Date:	10/18/2007
Bugs:	#195390
ID:	200710-18

Synopsis

The mount and umount programs might allow local attackers to gain root privileges.

Background

util-linux is a suite of Linux programs including mount and umount, programs used to mount and unmount filesystems.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
sys-apps/util-linux	< 2.12r-r8	>= 2.12r-r8	All supported architectures

Description

Ludwig Nussel discovered that the check_special_mountprog() and check_special_umountprog() functions call setuid() and setgid() in the wrong order and do not check the return values, which can lead to privileges being dropped improperly.

Impact

A local attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability by using mount helpers such as the mount.nfs program to gain root privileges and run arbitrary commands.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All util-linux users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/util-linux-2.12r-r8"

References

CVE-2007-5191

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200710-18.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.