[ GLSA 200703-26 ] file: Integer underflow

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: file: Integer underflow (GLSA 200703-26)
Severity: high
Exploitable: remote
Date: March 30, 2007
Bug(s): #171452
ID: 200703-26

Synopsis


A buffer underflow vulnerability has been reported in file allowing for the
user-assisted execution of arbitrary code.


Background


file is a utility that guesses a file format by scanning binary data
for patterns.


Affected Packages

Package: sys-apps/file
Vulnerable: < 4.20
Unaffected: >= 4.20
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


Jean-Sebastien Guay-Leroux reported an integer underflow in
file_printf function.


Impact


A remote attacker could entice a user to run the "file" program on a
specially crafted file that would trigger a heap-based buffer overflow
possibly leading to the execution of arbitrary code with the rights of
the user running "file". Note that this vulnerability could be also
triggered through an automatic file scanner like amavisd-new.


Workaround


There is no known workaround at this time.


Resolution


Since file is a system package, all Gentoo users should upgrade to the
latest version: