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Lynx: Buffer overflow in NNTP processing

Content:

1.  Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Version Information

Advisory Reference GLSA 200510-15 / Lynx
Release Date October 17, 2005
Latest Revision October 17, 2005: 01
Impact normal
Exploitable remote
Package Vulnerable versions Unaffected versions Architecture(s)
www-client/lynx < 2.8.5-r1 >= 2.8.5-r1 All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #108451

Synopsis

Lynx contains a buffer overflow that may be exploited to execute arbitrary code.

2.  Impact Information

Background

Lynx is a text-mode browser for the World Wide Web. It supports multiple URL types, including HTTP and NNTP URLs.

Description

When accessing a NNTP URL, Lynx connects to a NNTP server and retrieves information about the available articles in the target newsgroup. Ulf Harnhammar discovered a buffer overflow in a function that handles the escaping of special characters.

Impact

An attacker could setup a malicious NNTP server and entice a user to access it using Lynx (either by creating NNTP links on a web page or by forcing a redirect for Lynx users). The data returned by the NNTP server would trigger the buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code with the rights of the user running Lynx.

3.  Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All Lynx users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=www-client/lynx-2.8.5-r1"

4.  References



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Page updated October 17, 2005

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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