Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in GNU ed by The GNU Project

CVE-2008-3916

Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the strip_escapes function of signal.c in GNU ed prior to version 1.0. This vulnerability allows context-dependent or user-assisted attackers to exploit the system by providing a long filename. Since GNU ed typically runs without special privileges, the vulnerability poses a significant risk only when invoked as part of a third-party component, potentially crossing privilege boundaries and enabling arbitrary code execution. It is crucial for users and system administrators to be aware of this issue and apply necessary mitigations.

References