Python SimpleXMLRPCServer library module security bypass

python-simplexmlrpcserver-bypass (19217) The risk level is classified as HighHigh Risk

Description:

Python could allow a remote attacker to bypass security restrictions, caused by a vulnerability in the SimpleXMLRPCServer library module. The SimpleXMLRPCServer library module allows users access to internals of the registered object without proper protection. If the register_instance method is used to register an object without a _dispatch method, a remote attacker could use this to view or modify sensitive information, and possibly execute arbitrary code on the system.

Note: Reportedly, the im_func.func_globals.update can also be used to exploit this vulnerability.


Consequences:

Bypass Security

Remedy:

Apply the appropriate patch for your system, as listed in Python Security Advisory PSF-2005-001. See References.

For Ubuntu Linux:
Apply the appropriate patch for your system, as listed below. Refer to USN-73-1 February 03, 2005 for more information. See References.

python2.2: 2.2.3-10ubuntu0.1 or later
python2.3: 2.3.4-2ubuntu0.1 or later

For Debian GNU/Linux 3.0(woody):
Upgrade to the latest version of python (2.2.1-4.7 or later), as listed in DSA-666-1. See References.

For Red Hat Linux:
Refer to RHSA-2005:108-05 or RHSA-2005:109-04 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For Gentoo Linux:
Refer to Gentoo Linux Security Announcement GLSA 2005-02-09 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.

References:

  • CIAC Information Bulletin P-121: Python XML-RPC Server Vulnerability.
  • Python Security Advisory PSF-2005-001 : SimpleXMLRPCServer.py.
  • BID-12437: Python SimpleXMLRPCServer Library Module Unauthorized Access Vulnerability
  • CVE-2005-0089: The SimpleXMLRPCServer library module in Python 2.2, 2.3 before 2.3.5, and 2.4, when used by XML-RPC servers that use the register_instance method to register an object without a _dispatch method, allows remote attackers to read or modify globals of the associated module, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via dotted attributes.
  • DSA-666: python2.2 -- design flaw
  • GLSA-200502-09: Python: Arbitrary code execution through SimpleXMLRPCServer
  • MDKSA-2005:035: Updated python packages fix vulnerability
  • RHSA-2005-108: python security update
  • RHSA-2005-109: python security update
  • SA14128: Python SimpleXMLRPCServer Library Module Vulnerability
  • SECTRACK ID: 1013083: Python SimpleXMLRPCServer May Let Remote Users Access Internal Data or Execute Arbitrary Code
  • SUSE-SR:2005:005: SUSE Security Summary Report

Platforms Affected:

  • Canonical Ubuntu 4.10
  • Debian Debian Linux 3.0
  • Gentoo Linux
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 10.0
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 10.0 AMD64
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 10.1 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 10.1
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 9.2 AMD64
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux 9.2
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 2.1
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 2.1 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0
  • MandrakeSoft Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0 X86_64
  • Python Python 2.2
  • Python Python 2.3 prior to 2.3.5
  • Python Python 2.4
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 WS
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 ES
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 AS
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 Desktop
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 4 Desktop
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 4 WS
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 4 ES
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux 4 AS
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux 10 Desktop
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux 10 F...
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux 10 Server
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux 8 Server
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux 8 Workstation
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux Home
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux Appliance Server 1.0 Hosting Ed
  • Turbolinux Turbolinux Appliance Server 1.0 Workgroup Ed

Reported:

Feb 04, 2005

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