GLSA 200902-04: xterm: User-assisted arbitrary commands execution

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	xterm: User-assisted arbitrary commands execution
Date:	02/12/2009
Bugs:	#253155
ID:	200902-04

Synopsis

An error in the processing of special sequences in xterm may lead to arbitrary commands execution.

Background

xterm is a terminal emulator for the X Window system.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
x11-terms/xterm	< 239	>= 239	All supported architectures

Description

Paul Szabo reported an insufficient input sanitization when processing Device Control Request Status String (DECRQSS) sequences.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to display a file containing specially crafted DECRQSS sequences, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user viewing the file.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All xterm users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=x11-terms/xterm-239"

References

CVE-2008-2383

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200902-04.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.