GLSA 200802-10: Python: PCRE Integer overflow

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	Python: PCRE Integer overflow
Date:	02/23/2008
Bugs:	#198373
ID:	200802-10

Synopsis

A vulnerability within Python's copy of PCRE might lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/python	< 2.3.6-r4	>= 2.3.6-r4	All supported architectures

Description

Python 2.3 includes a copy of PCRE which is vulnerable to an integer overflow vulnerability, leading to a buffer overflow.

Impact

An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by tricking a vulnerable Python application to compile a regular expressions, which could possibly lead to the execution of arbitrary code, a Denial of Service or the disclosure of sensitive information.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Python 2.3 users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/python-2.3.6-r4"

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200802-10.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.