GNU Tar: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 201111-11 / tar
Release Date	November 20, 2011
Latest Revision	November 20, 2011: 1
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
app-arch/tar	< 1.23	>= 1.23	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #313333

Synopsis

A buffer overflow flaw in GNU Tar could result in execution of arbitrary code or a Denial of Service.

2. Impact Information

Background

GNU Tar is a utility to create archives as well as add and extract files from archives.

Description

GNU Tar is vulnerable to a boundary error in the rmt_read__ function in lib/rtapelib.c, which could cause a heap-based buffer overflow.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice the user to load a specially crafted archive, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code or a Denial of Service.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All GNU Tar users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

  # emerge --sync
  # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=app-arch/tar-1.23"

NOTE: This is a legacy GLSA. Updates for all affected architectures are available since July 18, 2010. It is likely that your system is already no longer affected by this issue.

4. References

CVE-2010-0624

Page updated November 20, 2011

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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