[ GLSA 200411-09 ] shadow: Unauthorized modification of account information

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: shadow: Unauthorized modification of account information (GLSA 200411-09)
Severity: low
Exploitable: local
Date: November 04, 2004
Updated: November 05, 2004
Bug(s): #69212
ID: 200411-09

Synopsis


A flaw in the chfn and chsh utilities might allow modification of account
properties by unauthorized users.


Background


shadow provides a set of utilities to deal with user accounts.


Affected Packages

Package: sys-apps/shadow
Vulnerable: < 4.0.5-r1
Unaffected: >= 4.0.5-r1
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


Martin Schulze reported a flaw in the passwd_check() function in
"libmisc/pwdcheck.c" which is used by chfn and chsh.


Impact


A logged-in local user with an expired password may be able to use chfn and
chsh to change his standard shell or GECOS information (full name, phone
number...) without being required to change his password.


Workaround


There is no known workaround at this time.


Resolution


All shadow users should upgrade to the latest version: