file: Arbitrary code execution

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
sys-apps/file	< 4.12	>= 4.12	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #72521

The code for parsing ELF headers in file contains a flaw which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

file is a utility used to identify the type of a file.

A possible stack overflow has been found in the ELF header parsing code of file.

An attacker may be able to create a specially crafted ELF file which, when processed with file, may allow the execution of arbitrary code.

3. Resolution Information

There is no known workaround at this time.

All file users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/file-4.12"

4. References

Updated December 13, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Security Team
Contact Address

Donate to support our development efforts.