Vulnerability in GNU "tar"
Linux distributor Red Hat has discovered a vulnerability in the GNU "tar" program that could allow attackers to overwrite files.
Red Hat describes the vulnerability as a directory traversal error, stating that attackers could use manipulated archvies to exploit the bug. "../" directory entries give the attacker the ability to overwrite files for which the executing user has write permissions. The security hole is due to faulty "contains_dot_dot()" function in the "names.c" file. Both Red Hat and the Secunia security service have classified the vulnerability as moderate.
The error affects GNU tar version 1.18 and older. An update and a patch by Red Hat are already available. Other distributions can be expected to follow suit. Users are advised to update their systems.
Issue 163/2014
Buy this issue as a PDF
Digital Issue: Price $9.99
(incl. VAT)
Tag Cloud
News
-
An Even Smaller Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced an even smaller version of the tiny computer that will fit into a DIMM slot.
-
Newly Discovered Android Vulnerability Causes Privilege Escalation
A new class of problems lets a malicious app pre-configure an invisible privilege update.
-
Facebook Rolls Out New PHP-like Programming Language
New Hack language adds static typing and other conveniences.
-
Fedora Announces Innovative Crytography Policy System
New crypto policy system will offer easier configuration and more uniform security.
-
Shuttleworth Calls for Declarative Firmware
Ubuntu founder denounces insecurity in proprietary, close-source software blobs.
-
New TLS Attack Takes the S out of HTTPS
Vulnerability affects many Linux web servers
-
Munich Adopts Kolab
The Bavarian capital shuns Microsoft, Google, and other alternatives to implement an open source groupware solution.
-
Canonical Announces Ubuntu Smartphones
Phone vendor partnerships bring Mark Shuttleworth's dream of Ubuntu on a phone a step closer to reality.
-
Piviti Seeks Funding
Donors will get to vote on new features for the free video editor.
-
Debian Tech Committee Votes for systemd
Debian project puts init out to pasture and says no to Ubuntu's Upstart.