Security Bugs in Kernel and Rsync
Security researchers at Secunia have reported two security bugs in the Rsync synchronization tool and one in the current Linux kernel.
All current versions of Rsync are affected by the bug according to the developers. The first vulnerability affects configurations in which the Rsync daemon runs with the "use chroot = no" option set. This gives attackers the ability to set up symlinks outside of the module’s hierarchy and thus gain write access to system components to work around security settings.
The second vulnerability is due to an error in the "exclude", "exclude from" and "filter" options which also allow attackers avoid security limits with symlinks, but with the restriction here that the attacker needs to know the name of the file to attack. The Rsync team’s security advisory contains more details.
The kernel vulnerability affects the ISDN subsystem in the current 2.6.23 version, and possibly older versions. A boundary error in the "isdn_net_setcfg()" function can cause a buffer overflow. The affected file is "drivers/isdn/i4l/isdn_net.c". To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would need to address a carefully crafted IOCTL request to the "/dev/isdnctrl" pseudo device, and this assumes write privileges for the device. For more details on the bug and the affected file, see Bugreport 9416.
Secunia says that all three bugs are moderately critical. Whereas the Rsync developers have already released a patch that closes both gaps, the error in the kernel’s ISDN subsystem still exists. However, patches have been sent to the maintainers in question the bug report states. Rsync users are advised to read the updated rsyncd.conf manpage, expecially the "munge symlinks" section, in addition to applying the patch.
Issue 262/2022
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
The 14" Pinebook Pro Linux Laptop is Shipping
After a considerable delay, the 14" version of the Pinebook Pro laptop is, once again, available for purchase.
-
OpenMandriva Lx ROME Technical Preview Released
OpenMandriva’s rolling release distribution technical preview has been released for testing purposes and adds some of the latest/greatest software into the mix.
-
Linux Mint 21 is Now Available
The latest iteration of Linux Mint, codenamed Vanessa, has been released with a new upgrade tool and other fantastic features.
-
Firefox Adds Long-Anticipated Feature
Firefox 103 has arrived and it now includes a feature users have long awaited…sort of.
-
System76 Refreshes Their Popular Oryx Pro Laptop with a New CPU
The System76 Oryx Pro laptop has been relaunched with a 12th Gen CPU and more powerful graphics options.
-
Elive Has Released a New Beta
The Elive team is proud to announce the latest beta version (3.8.30) of its Enlightenment-centric Linux distribution.
-
Rocky Linux 9 Has Arrived
The latest iteration of Rocky Linux is now available and includes a host of new features and support for new architecture.
-
Slimbook Executive Linux Ultrabook Upgrading Their CPUs
The Spanish-based company, Slimbook, has made available their next generation Slimbook Executive Linux ultrabooks with a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU.
-
Fedora Linux is Coming to the Raspberry Pi 4
Thanks to significant work in the upstream, the upcoming release of Fedora 37 will introduce support for the Raspberry Pi 4.
-
New Linux Ultrabook from TUXEDO Computers
TUXEDO Computers has released a new 15" Ultrabook running Linux.