CVE-2008-5984: Medium severity Dia Dia vulnerability

Published Nov 2, 2008
·
Updated

Untrusted search path vulnerability in dia's Python plug-in alows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to an erroneous setting of sys.path by the PySysSetArgv function.

References: http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=504251

Test case and more discussion about this issue (and reason's why it can't be fixed in Python is available at): http://www.nabble.com/Bug-484305%3A-bicyclerepair%3A-bike.vim-imports-untrusted-python-files-from-cwd-td18848099.html

Proposed patch: http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?msg=5;filename=pythonpath.diff;att=1;bug=504251

Other sources

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the Python plugin in Dia 0.96.1, and possibly other versions, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to a vulnerability in the PySysSetArgv function (CVE-2008-5983).

Red Hat

Affected Software

1 affected component
Dia Dia=0.96.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Dia to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch pythonpath.diff
  2. Compensating control

    Avoid launching Dia from directories that may contain untrusted Python files. Ensure the current working directory contains no untrusted .py files (remove or quarantine any such files) or run Dia from a trusted/clean directory to prevent execution of Trojan horse Python files in the CWD.

Event History

Nov 2, 2008
CVE Published
via Red Hat·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverity
Jan 26, 2009
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:17 AM
Affected Software
Jan 28, 2009
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:00 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:30 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2008-5984?

CVE-2008-5984 has a medium severity rating due to its ability to allow local users to execute arbitrary code.

2

How do I fix CVE-2008-5984?

To fix CVE-2008-5984, update to a patched version of Dia that resolves the untrusted search path issue.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2008-5984?

Users of Dia version 0.96.1 and possibly other versions are affected by CVE-2008-5984.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2008-5984?

CVE-2008-5984 is classified as an untrusted search path vulnerability.

5

What impact does CVE-2008-5984 have on systems?

CVE-2008-5984 allows local users to execute arbitrary code which can compromise system integrity.

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