REDHAT-BUG-461750
First published: Wed Sep 10 2008(Updated: )
Description of problem (pasted from original rdancer.org vim vulnerability description -- see references): The Vim Netrw Plugin shares the FTP user name and password across all FTP sessions. Every time Vim makes a new FTP connection, it sends the user name and password of the previous FTP session to the FTP server. Once vim successfully connects to an FTP server using a user name and password credentials, it will re-use them in all subsequent FTP sessions, regardless of the domain name or TCP port. This behaviour is documented, although the documentation states the credentials are ``retained on a per-session basis''. Apparently the Vim session, not the FTP session: ``g:netrw_uid (ftp) user-id, retained on a per-session basis s:netrw_passwd (ftp) password, retained on a per-session basis'' -- Netrw Reference Manual (``pi_netrw.txt'') Although FTP communication is not encrypted and therefore open to eavesdropping, if the access to the network is protected, a credentials-based access control is meaningful, and the credentials must be kept secret. Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): 7.1.266, 7.2 and earlier versions of Vim How reproducible: Always Steps to Reproduce: 1. See "4. EXPLOIT" from the rdancer vim vulnerability report [1] Actual results: Credentials disclosure. Expected results: Credentials are kept secret. References (rdancer.org vim original vulnerability report): [1] <a href="http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-netrw-credentials-dis.html">http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-netrw-credentials-dis.html</a>
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| SUSE Vim | <7.2 |
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Reference Links
- http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-netrw-credentials-dis.html
- http://groups.google.com/group/vim_dev/browse_thread/thread/2f6fad581a037971/a5fcf4c4981d34e6?show_docid=a5fcf4c4981d34e6
- http://mysite.verizon.net/astronaut/vim/index.html#NETRW
- https://admin.fedoraproject.org/updates/F9/FEDORA-2008-10587
- https://admin.fedoraproject.org/updates/F10/FEDORA-2008-10644
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=461750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of REDHAT-BUG-461750?
The severity of REDHAT-BUG-461750 is high due to the potential exposure of FTP credentials across multiple sessions.
How do I fix REDHAT-BUG-461750?
To fix REDHAT-BUG-461750, upgrade Vim to a version later than 7.2 to mitigate the credential sharing issue.
What versions of Vim are affected by REDHAT-BUG-461750?
All versions of Vim up to and including 7.2 are affected by REDHAT-BUG-461750.
What is the impact of REDHAT-BUG-461750 on user data?
The impact of REDHAT-BUG-461750 includes unauthorized access to FTP accounts, risking sensitive user data.
Is there a workaround for REDHAT-BUG-461750?
A temporary workaround for REDHAT-BUG-461750 is to avoid using the Netrw plugin for FTP sessions until an upgrade is performed.
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