ncompress: Buffer overflow

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200410-08 / ncompress
Release Date	October 09, 2004
Latest Revision	May 22, 2006: 02
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
app-arch/ncompress	<= 4.2.4	>= 4.2.4-r1	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #66251

Synopsis

compress and uncompress, which could be used by daemon programs, contain a buffer overflow that could lead to remote execution of arbitrary code with the rights of the daemon process.

2. Impact Information

Background

ncompress is a utility handling compression and decompression of Lempel-Ziv archives, compatible with the original *nix compress and uncompress utilities (.Z extensions).

Description

compress and uncompress do not properly check bounds on command line options, including the filename. Large parameters would trigger a buffer overflow.

Impact

By supplying a carefully crafted filename or other option, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system. A local attacker could only execute code with his own rights, but since compress and uncompress are called by various daemon programs, this might also allow a remote attacker to execute code with the rights of the daemon making use of ncompress.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All ncompress users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge sync

# emerge -pv ">=app-arch/ncompress-4.2.4-r1"
# emerge ">=app-arch/ncompress-4.2.4-r1"

4. References

Page updated October 09, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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