util-linux: Local privilege escalation

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200710-18 / util-linux
Release Date	October 18, 2007
Latest Revision	October 18, 2007: 01
Impact	high
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
sys-apps/util-linux	< 2.12r-r8	>= 2.12r-r8	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #195390

Synopsis

The mount and umount programs might allow local attackers to gain root privileges.

2. Impact Information

Background

util-linux is a suite of Linux programs including mount and umount, programs used to mount and unmount filesystems.

Description

Ludwig Nussel discovered that the check_special_mountprog() and check_special_umountprog() functions call setuid() and setgid() in the wrong order and do not check the return values, which can lead to privileges being dropped improperly.

Impact

A local attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability by using mount helpers such as the mount.nfs program to gain root privileges and run arbitrary commands.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All util-linux users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/util-linux-2.12r-r8"

4. References

CVE-2007-5191

Page updated October 18, 2007

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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