Format string error in Dropbear - #VU309

 

Format string error in Dropbear - #VU309

Published: August 13, 2016


Vulnerability identifier: #VU309
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4.0: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:U/U:Clear
CVE-ID: N/A
CWE-ID: CWE-134
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability: No public exploit available
Vendor: Matt Johnston
Affected software:
Dropbear

Detailed vulnerability description

The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a format string error when handling usernames, containing format string characters (e.g. %) in getpwnam() function. A remote attacker with the ability to manipulate his username can execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation may allow an attacker to gain complete control over the vulnerable system.


Remediation

Update to the latest version 2016.74.

Sources