[ GLSA 201203-20 ] Logwatch: Arbitrary code execution

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Logwatch: Arbitrary code execution (GLSA 201203-20)
Severity: high
Exploitable: remote
Date: March 28, 2012
Bug(s): #356387
ID: 201203-20

Synopsis

A vulnerability in Logwatch might allow remote attackers to execute
arbitrary code.


Background

Logwatch analyzes and reports on system logs.

Affected Packages

Package: sys-apps/logwatch
Vulnerable: < 7.4.0
Unaffected: >= 7.4.0
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

logwatch.pl does not properly sanitize log filenames against shell
metacharacters before passing them to the "system()" function.


Impact

A remote attacker could pass a specially crafted log filename to
Logwatch, possibly resulting in execution of arbitrary code with root
privileges or a Denial of Service condition.


Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Logwatch users should upgrade to the latest version: