Arbitrary Code Execution in devscripts
Summary
DSA-2836-1: devscripts - arbitrary code execution. Affects devscripts versions < 2.12.6+deb7u2. Fixed in 2.12.6+deb7u2. How to fix ↓
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Background
devscripts is a package in the Debian ecosystem that provides various scripts and tools for Debian package maintainers. One of the tools included is uscan, which is used to scan upstream sites for new releases of packages. This tool is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when attempting to download a source tarball from a malicious website. An attacker who controls such a website can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running uscan.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2013-6888, allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the source tarball that uscan attempts to download. By providing a specially crafted tarball, an attacker can inject malicious code that will be executed when the tarball is processed. This can lead to various consequences depending on the privileges of the user running uscan, potentially including unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system compromise.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.12.6+deb7u2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade devscriptsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, as a general best practice, it is recommended to exercise caution when downloading and processing source tarballs from untrusted sources. Verifying the integrity and authenticity of the tarballs before processing them can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Conclusion
The devscripts package, specifically the uscan tool, is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when attempting to download source tarballs from malicious websites. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the devscripts package to the recommended versions. Additionally, exercising caution when processing source tarballs from untrusted sources is advised. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for devscripts →
FAQ
devscripts is a package in the Debian ecosystem that provides various scripts and tools for Debian package maintainers. It includes tools for tasks such as package building, source code analysis, and release management.
uscan is a tool included in the devscripts package that is used to scan upstream sites for new releases of packages. It helps package maintainers keep track of new versions and updates of the software they package.
Arbitrary code execution refers to the ability of an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system. In the context of this vulnerability, it means that an attacker can execute their own code with the privileges of the user running uscan, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system compromise.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your devscripts package is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
There is no specific information provided about known exploits for this vulnerability. However, it is always important to promptly apply security updates and follow best practices to minimize the risk of exploitation.
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