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Home >> Browse Vulnerability Assessment Database >> Gentoo Local Security Checks >> [GLSA-200410-26] socat: Format string vulnerability

Vulnerability Assessment Details

[GLSA-200410-26] socat: Format string vulnerability

Vulnerability Assessment Summary
socat: Format string vulnerability

Detailed Explanation for this Vulnerability Assessment
The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200410-26
(socat: Format string vulnerability)

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 rights 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.

References:
http://www.dest-unreach.org/socat/advisory/socat-adv-1.html

Solution:
All socat users should upgrade to the latest version:
# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-misc/socat-1.4.0.3"

Network Security Threat Level: Medium

Networks Security ID:

Vulnerability Assessment Copyright: (C) 2005 Michel Arboi

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