Gentoo 2478 Published by

Updated gzip packages are available for Gentoo Linux

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200406-18
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http://security.gentoo.org/
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Severity: Normal
Title: gzip: Insecure creation of temporary files
Date: June 24, 2004
Bugs: #54890
ID: 200406-18

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Synopsis
=======

gzip contain a bug potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands.



Background
=========

gzip (GNU zip) is popular compression program. The included gzexe utility allows you to compress executables in place and have them automatically uncompress and execute when you run them.

Affected packages
================

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Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
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1 app-arch/gzip = 1.3.3-r4

Description
==========

The script gzexe included with gzip contains a bug in the code that handles tempfile creation. If the creation of a temp file fails when using gzexe fails instead of bailing out it executes the command given as argument.

Impact
=====

This could lead to priviege escalation by running commands under the rights of the user running the self extracting file.

Workaround
=========

There is no known workaround at this time. All users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest available version.

Resolution
=========

All gzip users should upgrade to the latest stable version:

# emerge sync

# emerge -pv ">=app-arch/gzip-1.3.3-r4"
# emerge ">=app-arch/gzip-1.3.3-r4"

Additionally, once the upgrade is complete, all self extracting files created with earlier versions gzexe should be recreated, since the vulnerability is actually embedded in those executables.

Availability
===========

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website:

http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200406-18.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 http://bugs.gentoo.org.

License
======

Copyright 2004 Gentoo Technologies, Inc; referenced text belongs to its owner(s).

The contents of this document are licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0