Python: Buffer Overflow

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200610-07 / python
Release Date	October 17, 2006
Latest Revision	February 26, 2007: 03
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/python	< 2.4.3-r4	>= 2.4.3-r4, revision >= 2.3.5-r3, revision >= 2.3.6	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #149065

Synopsis

A buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function can be exploited to cause a Denial of Service and potentially allows the execution of arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform programming language.

Description

Benjamin C. Wiley Sittler discovered a buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function when handling UTF-32/UCS-4 encoded strings.

Impact

If a Python application processes attacker-supplied data with the "repr()" function, this could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or a Denial of Service.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Python users should update to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/python-2.4.3-r4"

4. References

CVE-2006-4980

Updated October 17, 2006

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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