[ GLSA 200902-03 ] Valgrind: Untrusted search path

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Valgrind: Untrusted search path (GLSA 200902-03)
Severity: high
Exploitable: local
Date: February 12, 2009
Bug(s): #245317
ID: 200902-03

Synopsis

An untrusted search path vulnerability in Valgrind might result in the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

Valgrind is an open-source memory debugger.

Affected Packages

Package: dev-util/valgrind
Vulnerable: < 3.4.0
Unaffected: >= 3.4.0
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

Tavis Ormandy reported that Valgrind loads a .valgrindrc file in the current working directory, executing commands specified there.

Impact

A local attacker could prepare a specially crafted .valgrindrc file and entice a user to run Valgrind from the directory containing that file, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Valgrind.

Workaround

Do not run "valgrind" from untrusted working directories.

Resolution

All Valgrind users should upgrade to the latest version: