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Red Hat Linux 7.1 RHSA-2001:095-04 Critical: vipw Shadow Permissions

vipw, from the util-linux package in Red Hat Linux 7.1, included a new option that allowed editing of the /etc/shadow file as well as /etc/passwd. However, this option did not take measures to ensure that the file remained only readable by root.. ` --------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Hat, Inc. Red Hat Security Advisory Synopsis: New util-linux packages available to fix vipw permissions problems Advisory ID: RHSA-2001:095-04 Issue date: 2001-07-12 Updated on: 2001-07-16 Product: Red Hat Linux Keywords: util-linux vipw /etc/shadow permissions Cross references: Obsoletes: --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Topic: New util-linux packages are available for Red Hat Linux 7.1. These packages fix a problem where vipw would leave the /etc/shadow file world-readable after editing it. It is recommended that all users update to the fixed packages. Also, if you have used vipw on Red Hat Linux 7.1 before, make sure to run (as root): chmod 0400 /etc/shadow 2. Relevant releases/architectures: Red Hat Linux 7.1 - alpha, i386, ia64 3. Problem description: vipw, from the util-linux package in Red Hat Linux 7.1, included a new option that allowed editing of the /etc/shadow file as well as /etc/passwd. However, this option did not take measures to ensure that the file remained only readable by root. Thanks go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for bringing the problem to our attention. 4. Solution: Before applying this update, make sure all previously released errata relevant to your system have been applied. To update all RPMs for your particular architecture, run: rpm -Fvh [filenames] where [filenames] is a list of the RPMs you wish to upgrade. Only those RPMs which are currently installed will be updated. Those RPMs which are not installed but included in the list will not be updated. Note that you can also use wildcards (*.rpm) if your current directory *only*contains the desired RPMs. Please note that this update is also available via Red Hat Network. Many people find this an easier way to apply updates. To use Red Hat Network, launch the Red Hat Update Agent with the following command: up2date This will start an interactive process that will result in the appropriate RPMs being upgraded on your system. Also note that users of vipw may want to run (as root): chmod 0400 /etc/shadow to ensure that the file has the correct permissions. 5. Bug IDs fixed ( for more info): 48786 - Serious security problem in vipw, util-linux 2.10s 6. RPMs required: Red Hat Linux 7.1: SRPMS: alpha: i386: ia64: 7. Verification: MD5 sum Package Name -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 96997395f6773109c6fe12f015145a4e 7.1/en/os/SRPMS/util-linux-2.10s-13.7.src.rpm 148ed6ee554cec8552a9795192deaa51 7.1/en/os/alpha/util-linux-2.10s-13.7.alpha.rpm 06f71eb2fd286d18ea45430ffe790b63 7.1/en/os/i386/util-linux-2.10s-13.7.i386.rpm dceed158e6eb988b972f924a01fdc265 7.1/en/os/ia64/util-linux-2.10s-13.7.ia64.rpm These packages are GPG signed by Red Hat, Inc. for security. Our key is available at: You can verify each package with the following command: rpm --checksig If you only wish to verify that each package has not been corrupted or tampered with, examine only the md5sum with the following command: rpm --checksig --nogpg 8. References: Copyright(c) 2000, 2001 Red Hat, Inc. `. Fix critical security flaws in Red Hat 7.1 util-linux's vipw, ensuring /etc/shadow file access is protected properly.. Red Hat Advisory, Util-Linux Fix, Secure Shadow Access. . Severity: Critical. LinuxSecurity.com Team

Jul 16, 2001 •Critical Red Hat