1. Ubuntu Security Notices
  2. USN-6719-2

USN-6719-2: util-linux vulnerability

Publication date

10 April 2024

Overview

util-linux could be made to expose sensitive information.

Releases

Packages

Details

USN-6719-1 fixed a vulnerability in util-linux. Unfortunately, it was
discovered that the fix did not fully address the issue. This update
removes the setgid permission bit from the wall and write utilities.

Original advisory details:

Skyler Ferrante discovered that the util-linux wall command did not filter
escape sequences from command line arguments. A local attacker could
possibly use this issue to obtain sensitive information.

USN-6719-1 fixed a vulnerability in util-linux. Unfortunately, it was
discovered that the fix did not fully address the issue. This update
removes the setgid permission bit from the wall and write utilities.

Original advisory details:

Skyler Ferrante discovered that the util-linux wall command did not filter
escape sequences from command line arguments. A local attacker could
possibly use this issue to obtain sensitive information.

Update instructions

In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

Learn more about how to get the fixes.

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu Release Package Version
23.10 mantic util-linux –  2.39.1-4ubuntu2.2
22.04 jammy util-linux –  2.37.2-4ubuntu3.4
20.04 focal util-linux –  2.34-0.1ubuntu9.6

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References

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