[ GLSA 200409-32 ] getmail: Filesystem overwrite vulnerability

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: getmail: Filesystem overwrite vulnerability (GLSA 200409-32)
Severity: high
Exploitable: local
Date: September 23, 2004
Updated: May 22, 2006
Bug(s): #64643
ID: 200409-32

Synopsis


getmail contains a vulnerability that could potentially allow any local
user to create or overwrite files in any directory on the system. This flaw
can be escalated further and possibly lead to a complete system compromise.


Background


getmail is a reliable fetchmail replacement that supports Maildir,
Mboxrd and external MDA delivery.


Affected Packages

Package: net-mail/getmail
Vulnerable: < 4.2.0
Unaffected: >= 4.2.0
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description


David Watson discovered a vulnerability in getmail when it is
configured to run as root and deliver mail to the maildirs/mbox files
of untrusted local users. A malicious local user can then exploit a
race condition, or a similar symlink attack, and potentially cause
getmail to create or overwrite files in any directory on the system.


Impact


An untrusted local user could potentially create or overwrite files in
any directory on the system. This vulnerability may also be exploited
to have arbitrary commands executed as root.


Workaround


Do not run getmail as a privileged user; or, in version 4, use an
external MDA with explicitly configured user and group privileges.


Resolution


All getmail users should upgrade to the latest version: