[ GLSA 200412-07 ] file: Arbitrary code execution

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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
=================

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
     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_at_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