Newt: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Related bugreports: #285854

Synopsis

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Newt library might allow remote, user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Newt is a library for displaying text mode user interfaces.

Description

Miroslav Lichvar reported that Newt is prone to a heap-based buffer overflow in textbox.c.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to enter a specially crafted string into a text dialog box rendered by Newt, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, or a Denial of Service condition.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Newt users should upgrade to the latest version:

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-libs/newt-0.52.10-r1"

NOTE: This is a legacy GLSA. Updates for all affected architectures are available since October 26, 2009. It is likely that your system is already no longer affected by this issue.

4.  References

• CVE-2009-2905