[ GLSA 200902-04 ] xterm: User-assisted arbitrary commands execution

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: xterm: User-assisted arbitrary commands execution (GLSA 200902-04)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: February 12, 2009
Bug(s): #253155
ID: 200902-04

Synopsis

An error in the processing of special sequences in xterm may lead to arbitrary commands execution.

Background

xterm is a terminal emulator for the X Window system.

Affected Packages

Package: x11-terms/xterm
Vulnerable: < 239
Unaffected: >= 239
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

Paul Szabo reported an insufficient input sanitization when processing Device Control Request Status String (DECRQSS) sequences.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to display a file containing specially crafted DECRQSS sequences, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user viewing the file.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All xterm users should upgrade to the latest version: