Gentoo 2479 Published by

A file security update is available for Gentoo Linux

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200412-07
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http://security.gentoo.org/
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Severity: Normal
Title: file: Arbitrary code execution
Date: December 13, 2004
Bugs: #72521
ID: 200412-07

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Synopsis
=======

The code for parsing ELF headers in file contains a flaw which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.



Background
=========

file is a utility used to identify the type of a file.

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

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Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 sys-apps/file < 4.12 >= 4.12

Description
==========

A possible stack overflow has been found in the ELF header parsing code of file.

Impact
=====

An attacker may be able to create a specially crafted ELF file which, when processed with file, may allow the execution of arbitrary code.

Workaround
=========

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution
=========

All file users should upgrade to the latest version:

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/file-4.12"

References
=========

[ 1 ] SecurityTracker Alert ID 1012433
http://securitytracker.com/id?1012433

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

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

http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200412-07.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 Foundation, 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/2.0