CVE-2006-7228: Buffer Overflow

Published Nov 7, 2007
·
Updated

CVE-2006-7224 initially described several integer overflows in pcre, all described here: http://scary.beasts.org/security/CESA-2007-006.html

This id should be used to describe issue #2 in that advisory:

3) More possible integer overflow trouble.

pcrecompile: --- if (min == 0) { length++; if (max > 0) length += (max - 1) (duplength + 3 + 2LINKSIZE); } ... else { length += (min - 1) duplength; if (max > min) / Need this test as max=-1 means no limit / length += (max - min) (duplength + 3 + 2LINKSIZE) - (2 + 2LINKSIZE); } ---

In both these cases, I see no reason why a malicious regexp pattern couldn't cause an integer overflow by using large min / max / duplength values. This will really mess up the critical "length" value.

Other sources

Integer overflow in Perl-Compatible Regular Expression (PCRE) library before 6.7 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a regular expression that involves large (1) min, (2) max, or (3) duplength values that cause an incorrect length calculation and trigger a buffer overflow, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-7227. NOTE: this issue was originally subsumed by CVE-2006-7224, but that CVE has been REJECTED and split.

Red Hat

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/pcre<0:4.5-4.el4_6.6
0:4.5-4.el4_6.6
redhat/python<0:2.3.4-14.4.el4_6.1
0:2.3.4-14.4.el4_6.1
redhat/pcre<0:6.6-2.el5_1.7
0:6.6-2.el5_1.7
PCRE PCRE<=6.6

Remediation

Event History

Nov 7, 2007
CVE Published
via Red Hat·12:00 AM
Nov 14, 2007
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·08:53 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:00 PM
Description
Rejected
09:46 PM

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2006-7228?

CVE-2006-7228 is considered a critical vulnerability due to potential integer overflows in the PCRE implementation.

2

How do I fix CVE-2006-7228?

To fix CVE-2006-7228, update the PCRE package to version 0:4.5-4.el4_6.6 or later as specified in the applicable remediation.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2006-7228?

CVE-2006-7228 affects specific versions of PCRE and Python packages on Red Hat-based systems.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2006-7228?

CVE-2006-7228 is an integer overflow vulnerability which can lead to security flaws in applications using PCRE.

5

Is there a known exploit for CVE-2006-7228?

Yes, there have been reports of exploits leveraging the integer overflow vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2006-7228.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203