[ GLSA 200406-18 ] gzip: Insecure creation of temporary files

From: Kurt Lieber (klieber_at_gentoo.org)
Date: 06/24/04

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To: gentoo-announce@gentoo.org

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    Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200406-18
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                                                http://security.gentoo.org/
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      Severity: Normal
         Title: gzip: Insecure creation of temporary files
          Date: June 24, 2004
          Bugs: #54890
            ID: 200406-18

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    Synopsis
    ========

    gzip contain a bug potentially allowing an attacker to execute
    arbitrary commands.

    Background
    ==========

    gzip (GNU zip) is popular compression program. The included gzexe
    utility allows you to compress executables in place and have them
    automatically uncompress and execute when you run them.

    Affected packages
    =================

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
         Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
        -------------------------------------------------------------------
      1 app-arch/gzip <= 1.3.3-r3 >= 1.3.3-r4

    Description
    ===========

    The script gzexe included with gzip contains a bug in the code that
    handles tempfile creation. If the creation of a temp file fails when
    using gzexe fails instead of bailing out it executes the command given
    as argument.

    Impact
    ======

    This could lead to priviege escalation by running commands under the
    rights of the user running the self extracting file.

    Workaround
    ==========

    There is no known workaround at this time. All users are encouraged to
    upgrade to the latest available version.

    Resolution
    ==========

    All gzip users should upgrade to the latest stable version:

        # emerge sync

        # emerge -pv ">=app-arch/gzip-1.3.3-r4"
        # emerge ">=app-arch/gzip-1.3.3-r4"

    Additionally, once the upgrade is complete, all self extracting files
    created with earlier versions gzexe should be recreated, since the
    vulnerability is actually embedded in those executables.

    Availability
    ============

    This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
    the Gentoo Security Website:

         http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200406-18.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
    http://bugs.gentoo.org.

    License
    =======

    Copyright 2004 Gentoo Technologies, Inc; referenced text
    belongs to its owner(s).

    The contents of this document are licensed under the
    Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0

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