PyCrypto: Remote execution of arbitrary code

Background

The Python Cryptography Toolkit (PyCrypto) is a collection of both secure hash functions (such as SHA256 and RIPEMD160), and various encryption algorithms (AES, DES, RSA, ElGamal, etc.).

Description

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been discovered in PyCrypto. Please review the CVE identifier referenced below for details.

Impact

A remote attacker, able to control the mode of operation in PyCrypto’s AES module, could possibly execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the process or cause a Denial of Service condition.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All PyCrypto users should upgrade to the latest version:

 # emerge --sync
 # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-python/pycrypto-2.6.1-r2"