Apache HTTP Server mod_tcl set_var Format String Vulnerability
iDefense Security Advisory 10.13.06
http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Oct 13, 2006
I. BACKGROUND
The mod_tcl module for the Apache httpd v2.x is a scripting module that
allows a TCL developer to create server side script pages in TCL. It is
available as a contrib package for several distributions. For more
information, see http://tcl.apache.org/
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a format string vulnerability in the mod_tcl
module for the Apache httpd v2.x could allow attackers to execute
arbitrary code in the context of the httpd.
Due to programmer error, user supplied data is passed as the format
string specifier to several calls to an internally defined variable
argument function. The function 'set_var' is declared as follows:
mod_tcl.h:117:void set_var(Tcl_Interp *interp, char *var1,
char *var2, const char *fmt, ...);
Several insecure calls to this function are made through out the code,
as seen below:
tcl_cmds.c:437: set_var(interp, nm_var, (char*) key,
(char*) val);
tcl_cmds.c:2231: set_var(interp, nm_env, env[i],
sptr + 1);
tcl_core.c:650: set_var(interp, namespc,
vl[i].var2,
vl[i].var3);
III. ANALYSIS
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to gain local access to
the vulnerable system in the context of the affected httpd. To exploit
this vulnerability, the attacker must know the location of at least one
tcl server script that is configured to use this module for processing.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version
1.0 of mod_tcl for Apache 2.x.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
The Apache mod_tcl team have addressed this vulnerability with mod_tcl
version 1.0.1. It is available from http://tcl.apache.org/mod_tcl/
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2006-4154 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
08/16/2006 Initial vendor notification
10/11/2006 Initial vendor response
10/13/2006 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was discovered by Sparfell.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.
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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.
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