xterm: User-assisted arbitrary commands execution

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200902-04 / xterm
Release Date	February 12, 2009
Latest Revision	February 12, 2009: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
x11-terms/xterm	< 239	>= 239	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #253155

Synopsis

An error in the processing of special sequences in xterm may lead to arbitrary commands execution.

2. Impact Information

Background

xterm is a terminal emulator for the X Window system.

Description

Paul Szabo reported an insufficient input sanitization when processing Device Control Request Status String (DECRQSS) sequences.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to display a file containing specially crafted DECRQSS sequences, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user viewing the file.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All xterm users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=x11-terms/xterm-239"

4. References

CVE-2008-2383

Updated February 12, 2009

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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