Newt: User-assisted execution of arbitrary code — GLSA 201006-14

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Newt library might allow remote, user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Affected packages

dev-libs/newt on all architectures
Affected versions < 0.52.10-r1
Unaffected versions >= 0.52.10-r1

Background

Newt is a library for displaying text mode user interfaces.

Description

Miroslav Lichvar reported that Newt is prone to a heap-based buffer overflow in textbox.c.

Impact

A remote attacker could entice a user to enter a specially crafted string into a text dialog box rendered by Newt, possibly resulting in the remote execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, or a Denial of Service condition.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Newt users should upgrade to the latest version:

 # emerge --sync
 # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-libs/newt-0.52.10-r1"

NOTE: This is a legacy GLSA. Updates for all affected architectures are available since October 26, 2009. It is likely that your system is already no longer affected by this issue.

References

Release date
June 02, 2010

Latest revision
June 02, 2010: 01

Severity
normal

Exploitable
remote

Bugzilla entries