GLSA 201612-14: util-linux: Arbitrary code execution

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	util-linux: Arbitrary code execution
Date:	12/06/2016
Bugs:	#530844
ID:	201612-14

Synopsis

A vulnerability was discovered in util-linux, which could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

util-linux is a suite of Linux programs including mount and umount, programs used to mount and unmount filesystems.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
sys-apps/util-linux	< 2.26	>= 2.26	All supported architectures

Description

A command injection flaw was discovered in util-linux’s “blkid” utility. It uses caching files (/dev/.blkid.tab or /run/blkid/blkid.tab) to store info about the UUID, LABEL etc. it finds on certain devices. However, it does not strip ‘”’ character, so it can be confused to build variable names containing shell metacharacters, which it would usually encode inside the value.

Impact

A local attacker could create a specially crafted partition label containing arbitrary code which would get executed when the “blkid” utility processes that value.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All util-linux users should upgrade to the latest version:

      # emerge --sync
      # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-apps/util-linux-2.26"

References

CVE-2014-9114

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201612-14.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.