Vulnerability in ruby1.8 - security update

ruby1.8 Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

10/02/2015
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DSA-3159-1: ruby1.8 - security update. Affects ruby1.8 versions < 1.8.7.358-7.1+deb7u2. Fixed in 1.8.7.358-7.1+deb7u2. How to fix ↓

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Background

Ruby is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its simplicity and productivity. The ruby1.8 package is a specific version of Ruby, which is vulnerable to a security issue. This vulnerability resides in the REXML parser, a component of the Ruby interpreter. The parser can be manipulated to allocate large string objects, potentially leading to a denial of service (crash) if an attacker exploits this behavior. This vulnerability affects the Debian 7 ecosystem.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in ruby1.8 arises from the REXML parser's susceptibility to coerced allocation of large string objects. By exploiting this flaw, remote attackers can cause the system to consume all available memory, resulting in a denial of service. This vulnerability has the potential to disrupt the normal functioning of the affected system.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.8.7.358-7.1+deb7u2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ruby1.8

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability. It is advised to apply the recommended fix by upgrading the ruby1.8 package to the patched version.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in ruby1.8, which affects the REXML parser, can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service by consuming excessive memory. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to upgrade the ruby1.8 package to version 1.8.7.358-7.1+deb7u2. For further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for ruby1.8 →

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FAQ

The vulnerability in ruby1.8 can lead to a denial of service (crash) by consuming all available memory on the system. This can disrupt the normal operation of the affected system.

This vulnerability affects systems running the ruby1.8 package in the Debian 7 ecosystem.

While specific exploits for this vulnerability have not been mentioned, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to mitigate the risk of potential attacks.

Yes, remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to the vulnerable REXML parser.

For more detailed information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the DSA-3159-1.json file available at the Debian OSV storage: https://storage.googleapis.com/debian-osv/dsa-osv/DSA-3159-1.json

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for ruby1.8.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.8.7.358-7.1+deb7u2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ruby1.8

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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