Gentoo: GLSA-201701-31 normal: flex buffer overflow risk
gentoo
January 11, 2017
Flex might generate code with a buffer overflow making applications using such scanners vulnerable to the execution of arbitrary code.
Summary
A heap-based buffer overflow in the yy_get_next_buffer function in Flex might allow context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors involving num_to_read.
Topics Covered
Resolution
All flex users should upgrade to the latest version:
# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-devel/flex-2.6.1"
Packages which depend on flex may need to be recompiled. Tools such as qdepends (included in app-portage/portage-utils) may assist in identifying these packages:
# emerge -1 -a -v $(qdepends -CQ sys-devel/flex | sed 's/^/=/')
Packages which depend on flex may need to be recompiled. Tools such as qdepends (included in app-portage/portage-utils) may assist in identifying these packages:
# emerge -1 -a -v $(qdepends -CQ sys-devel/flex | sed 's/^/=/')
References
[ 1 ] CVE-2016-6354 http://nvd.nist.gov/nvd.cfm?cvename=CVE-2016-6354
Availability
This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-31
style>.gentoo_availability{display:block;}
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 https://bugs.gentoo.org.
PREVIOUS
NEXT
Severity: Normal
Title: flex: Potential insecure code generation
Date: January 11, 2017
Bugs: #589820
ID: 201701-31
Topics Covered
Background
flex is a programming tool used to generate scanners (programs which
recognize lexical patterns in text).
Get the latest News and Insights
Get the latest Linux and open source security news straight to your inbox.
Affected Packages
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 sys-devel/flex < 2.6.1 >= 2.6.1
Impact
=====
Context-dependent attackers could cause a Denial of Service condition
or possibly execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the process.
Workaround
There is no known workaround at this time.
Related News
Powered By
Linux Security - Your source for Top Linux News, Advisories, HOWTOs and Feature Releases
QUICK LINKS
subscribe to newsletters!
Like staying secure? So do we.
Sign up for updates, tips, and alerts!