Python: Heap overflow in the included PCRE library

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200509-08 / Python
Release Date	September 12, 2005
Latest Revision	September 12, 2005: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/python	< 2.3.5-r2	>= 2.3.5-r2	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #104009

Synopsis

The "re" Python module is vulnerable to a heap overflow, possibly leading to the execution of arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform programming language. The "re" Python module provides regular expression functions.

Description

The "re" Python module makes use of a private copy of libpcre which is subject to an integer overflow leading to a heap overflow (see GLSA 200508-17).

Impact

An attacker could target a Python-based web application (or SUID application) that would use untrusted data as regular expressions, potentially resulting in the execution of arbitrary code (or privilege escalation).

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

Python users that don't run any Python web application or SUID application (or that run one that wouldn't use untrusted inputs as regular expressions) are not affected by this issue.

Resolution

All Python users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/python-2.3.5-r2"

4. References

Updated September 12, 2005

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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