GLSA 201006-14: Newt: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	Newt: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code
Date:	06/02/2010
Bugs:	#285854
ID:	201006-14

Synopsis

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Newt library might allow remote, user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Background

Newt is a library for displaying text mode user interfaces.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-libs/newt	< 0.52.10-r1	>= 0.52.10-r1	All supported architectures

Description

Miroslav Lichvar reported that Newt is prone to a heap-based buffer overflow in textbox.c.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to enter a specially crafted string into a text dialog box rendered by Newt, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, or a Denial of Service condition.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Newt users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-libs/newt-0.52.10-r1"

NOTE: This is a legacy GLSA. Updates for all affected architectures are available since October 26, 2009. It is likely that your system is already no longer affected by this issue.

References

CVE-2009-2905

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201006-14.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.