GLSA 201111-11: GNU Tar: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

Severity:normal
Title:GNU Tar: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code
Date:11/20/2011
Bugs: #313333
ID:201111-11

Synopsis

A buffer overflow flaw in GNU Tar could result in execution of arbitrary code or a Denial of Service.

Background

GNU Tar is a utility to create archives as well as add and extract files from archives.

Affected packages

Package Vulnerable Unaffected Architecture(s)
app-arch/tar < 1.23 >= 1.23 All supported architectures

Description

GNU Tar is vulnerable to a boundary error in the rmt_read__ function in lib/rtapelib.c, which could cause a heap-based buffer overflow.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice the user to load a specially crafted archive, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code or a Denial of Service.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All GNU Tar users should upgrade to the latest version:

      # emerge --sync
      # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=app-arch/tar-1.23"
    

NOTE: This is a legacy GLSA. Updates for all affected architectures are available since July 18, 2010. It is likely that your system is already no longer affected by this issue.

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201111-11.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!