[ GLSA 201111-11 ] GNU Tar: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: GNU Tar: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code (GLSA 201111-11)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: November 20, 2011
Bug(s): #313333
ID: 201111-11

Synopsis

A buffer overflow flaw in GNU Tar could result in execution of
arbitrary code or a Denial of Service.


Background

GNU Tar is a utility to create archives as well as add and extract files
from archives.


Affected Packages

Package: app-arch/tar
Vulnerable: < 1.23
Unaffected: >= 1.23
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

GNU Tar is vulnerable to a boundary error in the rmt_read__ function in
lib/rtapelib.c, which could cause a heap-based buffer overflow.


Impact

A remote attacker could entice the user to load a specially crafted
archive, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code or a
Denial of Service.


Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All GNU Tar users should upgrade to the latest version: