Multiple vulnerabilities in metamail — GLSA 200405-17

Several format string bugs and buffer overflows were discovered in metamail, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code remotely.

Affected packages

Package 	net-mail/metamail on all architectures
Affected versions 	< 2.7.45.3
Unaffected versions 	>= 2.7.45.3

Background

Metamail is a program that decodes MIME encoded mail. It is therefore often automatically called when an email is received or read.

Description

Ulf Harnhammar found two format string bugs and two buffer overflow bugs in Metamail.

Impact

A remote attacker could send a malicious email message and execute arbitrary code with the rights of the process calling the Metamail program.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All users of Metamail should upgrade to the latest stable version:

 # emerge sync

 # emerge -pv ">=net-mail/metamail-2.7.45.3"
 # emerge ">=net-mail/metamail-2.7.45.3"

References

    CAN-2004-0104
    CAN-2004-0105