[ GLSA 200509-08 ] Python: Heap overflow in the included PCRE library

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Python: Heap overflow in the included PCRE library (GLSA 200509-08)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: September 12, 2005
Bug(s): #104009
ID: 200509-08

Synopsis


The "re" Python module is vulnerable to a heap overflow, possibly leading
to the execution of arbitrary code.


Background


Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented,
cross-platform programming language. The "re" Python module provides
regular expression functions.


Affected Packages

Package: dev-lang/python
Vulnerable: < 2.3.5-r2
Unaffected: >= 2.3.5-r2
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


The "re" Python module makes use of a private copy of libpcre
which is subject to an integer overflow leading to a heap overflow (see
GLSA 200508-17).


Impact


An attacker could target a Python-based web application (or SUID
application) that would use untrusted data as regular expressions,
potentially resulting in the execution of arbitrary code (or privilege
escalation).


Workaround


Python users that don't run any Python web application or SUID
application (or that run one that wouldn't use untrusted inputs as
regular expressions) are not affected by this issue.


Resolution


All Python users should upgrade to the latest version: