Vim helptags_one() function code execution

vim-helptagsone-code-execution (35655) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

Vim could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a format string vulnerability in the helptags_one() function. By persuading a victim to view a specially-crafted help file with a malicious helptags command, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system.

Platforms Affected:

  • Canonical, Ubuntu 6.06 LTS
  • Canonical, Ubuntu 6.10
  • Canonical, Ubuntu 7.04
  • Debian, Debian Linux 3.1
  • Debian, Debian Linux 4.0
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2008.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0 X86_64
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 AS
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 Desktop
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 WS
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 ES
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 4 AS
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 4 ES
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 4 Desktop
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 4 WS
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 5 Client
  • RedHat, Enterprise Linux 5
  • SuSE, SuSE Linux
  • Vim, Vim prior to 7.1.039
  • VMware, ESX Server 2.5.5
  • VMware, ESX Server 3.0.2
  • VMware, ESX Server 3.0.3
  • VMware, ESX Server 3.5

Remedy:

Upgrade to the latest version of Vim (7.1.039 or later), available from the Vim FTP Web site. See References.

For Mandriva Linux (vim):
Refer to MDKSA-2007:168 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For Ubuntu Linux (vim):
Refer to USN-505-1 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For SUSE Linux (vim):
Refer to SUSE-SR:2007:018 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For Debian GNU/Linux (vim):
Refer to DSA-1364-1 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For Debian GNU/Linux (vim):
Refer to DSA-1364-2 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

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

Consequences:

Gain Access

References:

Reported:

Jul 27, 2007

The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (IBM Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net

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