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Home >> Browse Vulnerability Assessment Database >> Gentoo Local Security Checks >> [GLSA-200511-09] Lynx: Arbitrary command execution

Vulnerability Assessment Details

[GLSA-200511-09] Lynx: Arbitrary command execution

Vulnerability Assessment Summary
Lynx: Arbitrary command execution

Detailed Explanation for this Vulnerability Assessment
The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200511-09
(Lynx: Arbitrary command execution)

iDefense labs discovered a problem within the feature to execute
local cgi-bin programs via the "lynxcgi:" URI handler. Due to a
configuration error, the default settings permit websites to specify
commands to run as the user running Lynx.

Impact

A remote attacker can entice a user to access a malicious HTTP
server, causing Lynx to execute arbitrary commands.

Workaround

Disable "lynxcgi" links by specifying the following directive in
lynx.cfg:
TRUSTED_LYNXCGI:none

References:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2005-2929
http://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=338&type=vulnerabilities

Solution:
All Lynx users should upgrade to the latest version:
# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=www-client/lynx-2.8.5-r2"

Network Security Threat Level: Medium

Networks Security ID:

Vulnerability Assessment Copyright: (C) 2005 Michel Arboi

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