[ GLSA 200410-26 ] socat: Format string vulnerability

[Luke Macken <lewk () gentoo org>]

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory                           GLSA 200410-26
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                                            http://security.gentoo.org/
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  Severity: Normal
     Title: socat: Format string vulnerability
      Date: October 25, 2004
      Bugs: #68547
        ID: 200410-26

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Synopsis
========

socat contains a format string vulnerability that can potentially lead
to remote or local execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of
the socat process.

Background
==========

socat is a multipurpose bidirectional relay, similar to netcat.

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

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
     Package         /  Vulnerable  /                       Unaffected
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  net-misc/socat      < 1.4.0.3                          >= 1.4.0.3

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

socat contains a syslog() based format string vulnerablility in the
'_msg()' function of 'error.c'. Exploitation of this bug is only
possible when socat is run with the '-ly' option, causing it to log
messages to syslog.

Impact
======

Remote exploitation is possible when socat is used as a HTTP proxy
client and connects to a malicious server. Local privilege escalation
can be achieved when socat listens on a UNIX domain socket. Potential
execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the socat process is
possible with both local and remote exploitations.

Workaround
==========

Disable logging to syslog by not using the '-ly' option when starting
socat.

Resolution
==========

All socat users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-misc/socat-1.4.0.3"

References
==========

  [ 1 ] socat Security Advisory
        http://www.dest-unreach.org/socat/advisory/socat-adv-1.html

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

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

  http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200410-26.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 Foundation, 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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