USN-6719-2: util-linux vulnerability

10 April 2024

util-linux could be made to expose sensitive information.

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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.

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Ubuntu Pro provides ten-year security coverage to 25,000+ packages in Main and Universe repositories, and it is free for up to five machines.

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Update instructions

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

Ubuntu 23.10
Ubuntu 22.04
Ubuntu 20.04

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

References

Related notices

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