teTeX makeindex open_sty function buffer overflow

tetex-makeindex-opensty-bo (32284) The risk level is classified as HighHigh Risk

Description:

teTeX makeindex is vulnerable to a buffer overflow, caused by improper bounds checking by the open_sty function. By persuading a victim to open a file with an overly long filename, a remote attacker could overflow a buffer and cause makeindex to crash or possibly execute arbitrary code on the system.

Platforms Affected:

  • FedoraProject, Fedora Core 6
  • Gentoo, Linux
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2008.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0 X86_64
  • Thomas Esser, teTeX makeindex 2.14

Remedy:

For Gentoo Linux (teTeX):
Refer to GLSA 200709-17 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For Mandriva Linux (tetex):
Refer to MDKSA-2007:109 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For other distributions:
Apply the appropriate update for your system. See References.

Consequences:

Gain Access

References:

  • Red Hat Bugzilla Bug 225491, CVE-2007-0650 Multiple buffer overflows in teTeX's makeindex at https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=225491.
  • teTeX Web site, The teTeX Homepage at http://www.tug.org/teTeX/.
  • BID-23872: teTeX Mkind.C Remote Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
  • CVE-2007-0650: Buffer overflow in the open_sty function in mkind.c for makeindex 2.14 in teTeX might allow user-assisted remote attackers to overwrite files and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: other overflows exist but might not be exploitable, such as a heap-based overflow in the check_idx function.
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2007-1706: teTeX Makeindex Utility open_sty() Function Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
  • GLSA-200709-17: teTeX: Multiple buffer overflows
  • GLSA-200711-34: CSTeX: Multiple vulnerabilities
  • MDKSA-2007:109: Updated tetex packages fix vulnerabilities

Reported:

Jan 30, 2007

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