vixie-cron security update
Security Advisory: Low
An updated vixie-cron package that fixes various bugs and a security issue
is now available.
This update has been rated as having low security impact by the Red Hat
Security Response Team.
The vixie-cron package contains the Vixie version of cron. Cron is a
standard UNIX daemon that runs specified programs at scheduled times.
A bug was found in the way vixie-cron installs new crontab files. It is
possible for a local attacker to execute the crontab command in such a way
that they can view the contents of another user's crontab file. The Common
Vulnerabilities and Exposures project assigned the name CAN-2005-1038 to
this issue.
Additionally, this update addresses the following issues:
o Fixed improper limits on filename and command line lengths
o Improved PAM access control conforming to EAL certification requirements
o Improved reliability when running in a chroot environment
o Mail recipient name checking disabled by default, can be re-enabled
o Added '-p' "permit all crontabs" option to disable crontab mode checking
All users of vixie-cron should upgrade to this updated package, which
contains backported patches and is not vulnerable to these issues.
Before applying this update, make sure that all previously-released
errata relevant to your system have been applied. Use Red Hat
Network to download and update your packages. To launch the Red Hat
Update Agent, use the following command:
up2date
For information on how to install packages manually, refer to the
following Web page for the System Administration or Customization
guide specific to your system:
http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/
Vulmon