socat: Format string vulnerability

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200410-26 / socat
Release Date	October 25, 2004
Latest Revision	May 22, 2006: 02
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
net-misc/socat	< 1.4.0.3	>= 1.4.0.3	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #68547

Synopsis

socat contains a format string vulnerability that can potentially lead to remote or local execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process.

2. Impact Information

Background

socat is a multipurpose bidirectional relay, similar to netcat.

Description

socat contains a syslog() based format string vulnerablility in the '_msg()' function of 'error.c'. Exploitation of this bug is only possible when socat is run with the '-ly' option, causing it to log messages to syslog.

Impact

Remote exploitation is possible when socat is used as a HTTP proxy client and connects to a malicious server. Local privilege escalation can be achieved when socat listens on a UNIX domain socket. Potential execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process is possible with both local and remote exploitations.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

Disable logging to syslog by not using the '-ly' option when starting socat.

Resolution

All socat users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-misc/socat-1.4.0.3"

4. References

Page updated October 25, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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