SB2022012776 - Ubuntu update for shadow

Description

This security bulletin contains information about 2 secuirty vulnerabilities.

1) Buffer overflow (CVE-ID: CVE-2017-12424)

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.

In shadow before 4.5, the newusers tool could be made to manipulate internal data structures in ways unintended by the authors. Malformed input may lead to crashes (with a buffer overflow or other memory corruption) or other unspecified behaviors. This crosses a privilege boundary in, for example, certain web-hosting environments in which a Control Panel allows an unprivileged user account to create subaccounts.

2) Privilege escalation (CVE-ID: CVE-2018-7169)

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists due to improper security restrictions when using the newgidmap setuid executable. A local attacker can gain root privileges.

Remediation

Install update from vendor's website.

References

• https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-5254-1