Evolution: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

Security Team Contact Address

Updated June 16, 2008

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200806-06 / evolution
Release Date	June 16, 2008
Latest Revision	June 16, 2008: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
mail-client/evolution	< 2.12.3-r2	>= 2.12.3-r2	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #223963

Synopsis

Multiple vulnerabilities in Evolution may allow for user-assisted execution of arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

Evolution is the mail client of the GNOME desktop environment.

Description

Alin Rad Pop (Secunia Research) reported two vulnerabilities in Evolution:

A boundary error exists when parsing overly long timezone strings contained within iCalendar attachments and when the ITip formatter is disabled (CVE-2008-1108).
A boundary error exists when replying to an iCalendar request with an overly long "DESCRIPTION" property while in calendar view (CVE-2008-1109).

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to open a specially crafted iCalendar attachment, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Evolution.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Evolution users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=mail-client/evolution-2.12.3-r2"

4. References