CVE-2015-9542

Description

From CVE.org

add_password in pam_radius_auth.c in pam_radius 1.4.0 does not correctly check the length of the input password, and is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow during memcpy(). An attacker could send a crafted password to an application (loading the pam_radius library) and crash it. Arbitrary code execution might be possible, depending on the application, C library, compiler, and other factors.

Statement

As shipped in epel-6, the gcc compiler opts for __memcpy_chk() [with the correct buffer length] to ensure that there is a crash instead of an an overflow. Thus it is believed that only a Deianl of Service can be triggered using this flaw.

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Availability

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU); DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory)

Buffer overflows generally lead to crashes. Other attacks leading to lack of availability are possible, including putting the program into an infinite loop.

Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability,Access Control

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Bypass Protection Mechanism

Buffer overflows often can be used to execute arbitrary code, which is usually outside the scope of a program's implicit security policy.

Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability,Access Control,Other

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Bypass Protection Mechanism; Other

When the consequence is arbitrary code execution, this can often be used to subvert any other security service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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