A socat security update has been released for Gentoo Linux

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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
=================

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Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
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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