Patch: filename validation bypass in reversal fallback allows file creation outside the working directory
Impact
A flaw was found in GNU patch. An attacker can achieve arbitrary file creation outside the intended working directory by enticing a user or automated workflow to apply a specially crafted patch file. Due to missing validation during automatic patch reversal, absolute file paths in patch headers are accepted rather than rejected. Consequently, the utility can create files in arbitrary locations with the permissions of the executing user.
Source excerpt · redhatWhat to do
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
Affected packages
Affected products
Vendor version evidence. Product records are separate from automatic dependency matching.
Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
Other versions: affected
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Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
Other versions: unknown
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Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Other versions: affected
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Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
Other versions: affected
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Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
Other versions: affected
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Red Hat · Red Hat Hardened Images
Other versions: affected
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Original source description
A flaw was found in GNU patch. An attacker can achieve arbitrary file creation outside the intended working directory by enticing a user or automated workflow to apply a specially crafted patch file. Due to missing validation during automatic patch reversal, absolute file paths in patch headers are accepted rather than rejected. Consequently, the utility can create files in arbitrary locations with the permissions of the executing user.