GLSA 200902-03: Valgrind: Untrusted search path

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	high
Title:	Valgrind: Untrusted search path
Date:	02/12/2009
Bugs:	#245317
ID:	200902-03

Synopsis

An untrusted search path vulnerability in Valgrind might result in the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

Valgrind is an open-source memory debugger.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-util/valgrind	< 3.4.0	>= 3.4.0	All supported architectures

Description

Tavis Ormandy reported that Valgrind loads a .valgrindrc file in the current working directory, executing commands specified there.

Impact

A local attacker could prepare a specially crafted .valgrindrc file and entice a user to run Valgrind from the directory containing that file, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Valgrind.

Workaround

Do not run "valgrind" from untrusted working directories.

Resolution

All Valgrind users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-util/valgrind-3.4.0"

References

CVE-2008-4865

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200902-03.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.