[ GLSA 200410-26 ] socat: Format string vulnerability

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: socat: Format string vulnerability (GLSA 200410-26)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: October 25, 2004
Updated: May 22, 2006
Bug(s): #68547
ID: 200410-26

Synopsis

socat contains a format string vulnerability that can potentially lead to remote or local execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process.

Background

socat is a multipurpose bidirectional relay, similar to netcat.

Affected Packages

Package: net-misc/socat
Vulnerable: < 1.4.0.3
Unaffected: >= 1.4.0.3
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

socat contains a syslog() based format string vulnerablility in the '_msg()' function of 'error.c'. Exploitation of this bug is only possible when socat is run with the '-ly' option, causing it to log messages to syslog.

Impact

Remote exploitation is possible when socat is used as a HTTP proxy client and connects to a malicious server. Local privilege escalation can be achieved when socat listens on a UNIX domain socket. Potential execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process is possible with both local and remote exploitations.

Workaround

Disable logging to syslog by not using the '-ly' option when starting socat.

Resolution

All socat users should upgrade to the latest version: