Multiple vulnerabilities in metamail

Security Team  Contact Address

Updated May 21, 2004

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Advisory Reference GLSA 200405-17 / metamail
Release Date May 21, 2004
Latest Revision May 21, 2004: 01
Impact high
Exploitable remote
Package Vulnerable versions Unaffected versions Architecture(s)
net-mail/metamail < 2.7.45.3 >= 2.7.45.3 All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #42133

Synopsis

Several format string bugs and buffer overflows were discovered in metamail, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code remotely.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Metamail is a program that decodes MIME encoded mail. It is therefore often automatically called when an email is received or read.

Description

Ulf Harnhammar found two format string bugs and two buffer overflow bugs in Metamail.

Impact

A remote attacker could send a malicious email message and execute arbitrary code with the rights of the process calling the Metamail program.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All users of Metamail should upgrade to the latest stable version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge sync
# emerge -pv ">=net-mail/metamail-2.7.45.3"
# emerge ">=net-mail/metamail-2.7.45.3"

4.  References