GNU M4 maketemp and mkstemp macros weak security

gnu-m4-macros-weak-security (41706)

Low Risk

Description:

GNU M4 could provide weaker than expected security. The maketemp and mkstemp macros could allow processing of malformed files via output string characters. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability using unknown attack vectors to launch further attacks against the system.

*CVSS:

Base Score:	4.3
Access Vector:	Network
Access Complexity:	Medium
Authentication:	None
Confidentiality Impact:	None
Integrity Impact:	Partial
Availability Impact:	None
Temporal Score:	3.2
Exploitability:	Unproven
Remediation Level:	Official-Fix
Report Confidence:	Confirmed

Consequences:

Other

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 repository: Minor security fix: Quote output of mkstemp..
• BID-28688: GNU m4 Format String and Filename Quoting Vulnerabilities
• CVE-2008-1687: The (1) maketemp and (2) mkstemp builtin functions in GNU m4 before 1.4.11 do not quote their output when a file is created, which might allow context-dependent attackers to trigger a macro expansion, leading to unspecified use of an incorrect filename.
• 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.

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