GNU M4 produce_frozen_state format string
| gnu-m4-producefrozenstate-format-string (41704) |  High Risk |
Description:
GNU M4 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a format string vulnerability in the produce_frozen_state function. By passing a specially-crafted file name containing malicious format specifiers to m4 using the -F option, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system and cause the application to crash.
*CVSS:
| Base Score: | 6.8 |
| Access Vector: | Network |
| Access Complexity: | Medium |
| Authentication: | None |
| Confidentiality Impact: | Partial |
| Integrity Impact: | Partial |
| Availability Impact: | Partial |
| Temporal Score: | 5 |
| Exploitability: | Unproven |
| Remediation Level: | Official-Fix |
| Report Confidence: | Confirmed |
Consequences:
Gain Access
Remedy:
Upgrade to the latest version of GNU M4 (1.4.11 or later), available from the GNU M4 source respository. See References.
References:
- GNU M4 source respository: Security fix: avoid arbitrary code execution with 'm4 -F'..
- BID-28688: GNU m4 Format String and Filename Quoting Vulnerabilities
- CVE-2008-1688: Unspecified vulnerability in GNU m4 before 1.4.11 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to improper handling of filenames specified with the -F option. NOTE: it is not clear when this issue crosses privilege boundaries.
- SA29671: GNU M4 Format String Vulnerability and Security Issue
- VUPEN/ADV-2008-1151: GNU M4 Remote Code Execution and Security Bypass Vulnerabilities
Platforms Affected:
- GNU M4 1.4.10
Reported:
Mar 26, 2008
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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 IBM be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.