fvwm: fvwm-menu-directory fvwm command injection

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200611-17 / fvwm
Release Date	November 23, 2006
Latest Revision	November 23, 2006: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
x11-wm/fvwm	< 2.5.18-r1	>= 2.5.18-r1	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #155078

Synopsis

A flaw in fvwm-menu-directory may permit a local attacker to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of another user.

2. Impact Information

Background

fvwm is a highly configurable virtual window manager for X11 desktops. fvwm-menu-directory allows fvwm users to browse directories from within fvwm.

Description

Tavis Ormandy of the Gentoo Linux Security Audit Team discovered that fvwm-menu-directory does not sufficiently sanitise directory names prior to generating menus.

Impact

A local attacker who can convince an fvwm-menu-directory user to browse a directory they control could cause fvwm commands to be executed with the privileges of the fvwm user. Fvwm commands can be used to execute arbitrary shell commands.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All fvwm users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=x11-wm/fvwm-2.5.18-r1"

4. References

CVE-2006-5969

Updated November 23, 2006

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Security Team
Contact Address

Donate to support our development efforts.