Axel: Vulnerability in HTTP redirection handling

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200504-09 / Axel
Release Date	April 12, 2005
Latest Revision	April 12, 2005: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
net-misc/axel	< 1.0b	>= 1.0b	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #88264

Synopsis

A buffer overflow vulnerability has been found in Axel which could lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

Axel is a console-based FTP/HTTP download accelerator.

Description

A possible buffer overflow has been reported in the HTTP redirection handling code in conn.c.

Impact

A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by setting up a malicious site and enticing a user to connect to it. This could possibly lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the permissions of the user running Axel.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Axel users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-misc/axel-1.0b"

4. References

CAN-2005-0390

Page updated April 12, 2005

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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