[ GLSA 200610-07 ] Python: Buffer Overflow

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Python: Buffer Overflow (GLSA 200610-07)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: October 17, 2006
Updated: February 26, 2007
Bug(s): #149065
ID: 200610-07

Synopsis

A buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function can be exploited to cause a Denial of Service and potentially allows the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform programming language.

Affected Packages

Package: dev-lang/python
Vulnerable: < 2.4.3-r4
Unaffected: >= 2.4.3-r4
Unaffected: >= 2.3.5-r3 < 2.3.6
Unaffected: >= 2.3.6 < 2.3.7
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

Benjamin C. Wiley Sittler discovered a buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function when handling UTF-32/UCS-4 encoded strings.

Impact

If a Python application processes attacker-supplied data with the "repr()" function, this could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or a Denial of Service.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Python users should update to the latest version: