[ GLSA 200611-17 ] fvwm: fvwm-menu-directory fvwm command injection

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: fvwm: fvwm-menu-directory fvwm command injection (GLSA 200611-17)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: local
Date: November 23, 2006
Bug(s): #155078
ID: 200611-17

Synopsis

A flaw in fvwm-menu-directory may permit a local attacker to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of another user.

Background

fvwm is a highly configurable virtual window manager for X11 desktops. fvwm-menu-directory allows fvwm users to browse directories from within fvwm.

Affected Packages

Package: x11-wm/fvwm
Vulnerable: < 2.5.18-r1
Unaffected: >= 2.5.18-r1
Architectures: All supported architectures


Description

Tavis Ormandy of the Gentoo Linux Security Audit Team discovered that fvwm-menu-directory does not sufficiently sanitise directory names prior to generating menus.

Impact

A local attacker who can convince an fvwm-menu-directory user to browse a directory they control could cause fvwm commands to be executed with the privileges of the fvwm user. Fvwm commands can be used to execute arbitrary shell commands.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All fvwm users should upgrade to the latest version: