GLSA 201612-25: CrackLib: Buffer overflow

Severity:normal
Title:CrackLib: Buffer overflow
Date:12/08/2016
Bugs: #591456
ID:201612-25

Synopsis

A vulnerability in CrackLib could lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

CrackLib is a library used to enforce strong passwords by comparing user selected passwords to words in chosen word lists.

Affected packages

Package Vulnerable Unaffected Architecture(s)
sys-libs/cracklib < 2.9.6-r1 >= 2.9.6-r1 All supported architectures

Description

A stack-based buffer overflow was discovered in the FascistGecosUser function of lib/fascist.c.

Impact

A local attacker could set a specially crafted GECOS field value in “/etc/passwd”; possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the process, a Denial of Service condition, or the escalation of privileges.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All CrackLib users should upgrade to the latest version:

      # emerge --sync
      # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-libs/cracklib-2.9.6-r1"
    

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201612-25.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.

License

Copyright 2010 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text belongs to its owner(s). The contents of this document are licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

Thank you!