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                         AUSCERT Security Bulletin

                               ASB-2009.1148
              Local root compromise vulnerability in FreeBSD
                              2 December 2009

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        AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
        ---------------------------------

Product:              FreeBSD
Operating System:     FreeBSD
Impact/Access:        Root Compromise -- Existing Account
Resolution:           Patch/Upgrade
Member content until: Friday, January  1 2010

OVERVIEW

        A local root exploit for FreeBSD has appeared on the full-disclosure
        mailing list. The FreeBSD team has confirmed the existence of this
        vulnerability but no details have as yet been released.


IMPACT

        The FreeBSD security team made the following statement regarding this
        vulnerability.
        
        "A short time ago a "local root" exploit was posted to the full-disclosure
        mailing list; as the name suggests, this allows a local user to execute
        arbitrary code as root." [1]
        
        Further details are expected to be published within the next 24 hours.


MITIGATION

        The vendor has supplied a patch to rectify this vulnerability but does
        issue the following warning regarding the use of it:
        
        "Due to the short timeline, it is possible that this
        patch will not be the final version which is provided when an advisory
        is sent out; it is even possible (although highly doubtful) that this
        patch does not fully fix the issue or introduces new issues -- in short,
        use at your own risk (even more than usual)." [1] [2]


REFERENCES

        [1] Upcoming FreeBSD Security Advisory
            http://docs.freebsd.org/cgi/mid.cgi?200912010120.nB11Koo2088364

        [2] FreeBSD security patch
            http://people.freebsd.org/~cperciva/rtld.patch

AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

===========================================================================
Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours 
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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