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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory                           GLSA 200610-07
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                                            http://security.gentoo.org/
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  Severity: Normal
     Title: Python: Buffer Overflow
      Date: October 17, 2006
      Bugs: #149065
        ID: 200610-07

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Synopsis
========

A buffer overflow in Python's "repr()" function can be exploited to
cause a Denial of Service and potentially allows the execution of
arbitrary code.

Background
==========

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform
programming language.

Affected packages
=================

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
     Package          /  Vulnerable  /                      Unaffected
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  dev-lang/python     < 2.4.3-r4                        >= 2.4.3-r4
                                                          *>= 2.3.5-r3

Description
===========

Benjamin C. Wiley Sittler discovered a buffer overflow in Python's
"repr()" function when handling UTF-32/UCS-4 encoded strings.

Impact
======

If a Python application processes attacker-supplied data with the
"repr()" function, this could potentially lead to the execution of
arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or a
Denial of Service.

Workaround
==========

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution
==========

All Python users should update to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/2.4.3-r4"

References
==========

  [ 1 ] CVE-2006-4980
        http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2006-4980

Availability
============

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:

  http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200610-07.xml

Concerns?
=========

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the
confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost
importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to
security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at
http://bugs.gentoo.org.

License
=======

Copyright 2006 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text
belongs to its owner(s).

The contents of this document are licensed under the
Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5