7.5 - RHSA-2004:536

Problem Description:

An updated ncompress package that fixes a buffer overflow and problem in the handling of files larger than 2 GB is now available.

2. Relevant releases/architectures:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS (Advanced Server) version 2.1 - i386, ia64 Red Hat Linux Advanced Workstation 2.1 - ia64 Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES version 2.1 - i386 Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS version 2.1 - i386

3. Problem description:

The ncompress package contains the compress and uncompress file compression and decompression utilities, which are compatible with the original UNIX compress utility (.Z file extensions).

A bug in the way ncompress handles long filenames has been discovered. ncompress versions 4.2.4 and earlier contain a stack based buffer overflow when handling very long filenames. It is possible that an attacker could execute arbitrary code on a victims machine by tricking the user into decompressing a carefully crafted filename. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the name CAN-2001-1413 to this issue.

This updated ncompress package also fixes a problem in the handling of files larger than 2 GB.

All users of ncompress should upgrade to this updated package, which contains fixes for these issues.

4. Solution:

Before applying this update, make sure that all previously-released errata relevant to your system have been applied. Use Red Hat Network to download and update your packages. To launch the Red Hat Update Agent, use the following command:

up2date

For information on how to install packages manually, refer to the following Web page for the System Administration or Customization guide specific to your system:

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/

5. Bug IDs fixed (http://bugzilla.redhat.com/ for more info):

126776 - [RHEL2.1] compress does not work if the file size is greater than 2GB 136661 - CAN-2001-1413 Stack-based buffer overflow in the comprexx function