Novell is now a part of Micro Focus

Security update for teTeX

Knowledgebase

(Last modified: 21OCT2002)


solutions Security update for teTeX SuSE Linux Maintenance Web (3fa32df95c17439c9bbfcd7f41758a06)

Applies to

Product(s): SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for IBM zSeries
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 and zSeries
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server for S/390

Package: tetex
Release: 20021021
Obsoletes: none

Indications

Everyone using teTeX should install this package.

Contraindications

None.

Problem description

The TeX utilities dvips and xdvi both have the ability to automatically generate TeX font files from metafont sources when displaying/converting a DVI document. This is done by invoking the MakeTeXPK utility with the font name, plus a few other options.
Unfortunately, the code invoking MakeTeXPK did not properly sanitize the font name. By embedding shell meta characters in font names included in a DVI document, an attacker was able to execute arbitrary commands under the account of the user viewing or processing the document. This includes the printer daemon if you use lpdfilter to transparently process document formats other than postscript, because lpdfilter will try to convert DVI files to PostScript(tm) using dvips.

Solution

Please install the updates provided at the location noted below.

Installation notes

This update is provided as an RPM package that can easily be installed onto a running system by using this command:
rpm -Uvh tetex.rpm

links to download packages

Download Source Packages

Download the source code of the patches for maintained products.


Disclaimer

The Origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell. Novell makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information. However, the information provided in this document is for your information only. Novell makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this information.

Any trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners. Consult your product manuals for complete trademark information.

© Copyright Micro Focus or one of its affiliates