May 2005

ID: 00426
Ref: 395/2005
Date: 20 May 2005:11:11:45
Version: 1

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Title: Gentoo Linux Security Advisory: GLSA 200505-14 - Cheetah: Untrusted module search path
Abstract: Brian Bird discovered that Cheetah searches for modules in the world-writable /tmp directory.
Vendors affected: Gentoo
Operating systems affected: Gentoo
Applications affected: Gentoo

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Title
=====

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory: GLSA 200505-14 - Cheetah: Untrusted module search path

Detail
======

Brian Bird discovered that Cheetah searches for modules in the
world-writable /tmp directory.


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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200505-14
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http://security.gentoo.org/
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Severity: Normal
Title: Cheetah: Untrusted module search path
Date: May 19, 2005
Bugs: #92926
ID: 200505-14

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Synopsis
========

Cheetah contains a vulnerability in the module importing code that can
allow a local user to gain escalated privileges.

Background
==========

Cheetah is a Python powered template engine and code generator.

Affected packages
=================

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 dev-python/cheetah < 0.9.17-rc1 >= 0.9.17-rc1

Description
===========

Brian Bird discovered that Cheetah searches for modules in the
world-writable /tmp directory.

Impact
======

A malicious local user could place a module containing arbitrary code
in /tmp, which when imported would run with escalated privileges.

Workaround
==========

There are no known workarounds at this time.

Resolution
==========

All Cheetah users should upgrade to the latest version:

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-python/cheetah-0.9.17-rc1"

References
==========

[ 1 ] Secunia Advisory SA15386
http://secunia.com/advisories/15386/

Availability
============

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:

http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200505-14.xml

Concerns?
=========

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the
confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost
importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to
security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at
http://bugs.gentoo.org.

License
=======

Copyright 2005 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text
belongs to its owner(s).

The contents of this document are licensed under the
Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0