Python: PCRE Integer overflow

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Updated February 23, 2008

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Advisory Reference GLSA 200802-10 / python
Release Date February 23, 2008
Latest Revision February 23, 2008: 01
Impact normal
Exploitable remote
Package Vulnerable versions Unaffected versions Architecture(s)
dev-lang/python < 2.3.6-r4 >= 2.3.6-r4 All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #198373

Synopsis

A vulnerability within Python's copy of PCRE might lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language.

Description

Python 2.3 includes a copy of PCRE which is vulnerable to an integer overflow vulnerability, leading to a buffer overflow.

Impact

An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by tricking a vulnerable Python application to compile a regular expressions, which could possibly lead to the execution of arbitrary code, a Denial of Service or the disclosure of sensitive information.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Python 2.3 users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/python-2.3.6-r4"

4.  References