Vulnerability in xdg-utils - Security Update
Summary
DLA-1384-1: xdg-utils - security update. Affects xdg-utils versions < 1.1.0~rc1+git20111210-6+deb7u4. Fixed in 1.1.0~rc1+git20111210-6+deb7u4. How to fix ↓
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Background
xdg-utils is a collection of command-line utilities for interacting with the desktop environment. It provides a set of tools that adhere to the XDG Base Directory Specification, allowing applications to locate and access user-specific files and directories. The package is commonly used in Linux distributions, including Debian 7 Wheezy. However, a security vulnerability has been discovered in xdg-utils that could potentially allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks via a crafted URL.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in xdg-utils arises from the open_envvar function, which fails to validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable. This oversight enables attackers to inject malicious arguments into the program execution by manipulating the URL. By exploiting this vulnerability, remote attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or perform unauthorized actions on the affected system. The impact of this vulnerability depends on the privileges of the user running the xdg-utils commands.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.1.0~rc1+git20111210-6+deb7u4
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade xdg-utilsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the security update as soon as possible to ensure the system is protected against potential attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, xdg-utils is prone to an argument-injection vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade the xdg-utils package to version 1.1.0~rc1+git20111210-6+deb7u4 or later. Failure to apply the security update may result in the execution of arbitrary code or unauthorized actions on the affected system. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for xdg-utils →
FAQ
xdg-utils is a collection of command-line utilities that adhere to the XDG Base Directory Specification, providing tools for interacting with the desktop environment in Linux distributions.
The vulnerability in xdg-utils could allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks via a crafted URL, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or unauthorized actions on the affected system.
This vulnerability affects Debian 7 Wheezy, specifically systems using the xdg-utils package version prior to 1.1.0~rc1+git20111210-6+deb7u4.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the security update to mitigate the risk.
To update xdg-utils on Debian 7 Wheezy, run the following command: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade xdg-utils.
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