CDF: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200908-06 / cdf
Release Date	August 18, 2009
Latest Revision	August 18, 2009: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
sci-libs/cdf	< 3.3.0	>= 3.3.0	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #278679

Synopsis

Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in CDF might result in the execution of arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

CDF is a library for the Common Data Format which is a self-describing data format for the storage and manipulation of scalar and multidimensional data. It is developed by the NASA.

Description

Leon Juranic reported multiple heap-based buffer overflows for instance in the ReadAEDRList64(), SearchForRecord_r_64(), LastRecord64(), and CDFsel64() functions.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to open a specially crafted CDF file, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, or a Denial of Service.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All CDF users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sci-libs/cdf-3.3.0"

4. References

CVE-2009-2850

Updated August 18, 2009

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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