python security update (RHSA-2006-0713)

Original Release Date: October 12, 2006
Last Revised: October 12, 2006
Number: ASA-2006-229
Risk Level: Low
Advisory Version: 1.0
Advisory Status: Interim

1. Overview:

Python is a popular object-oriented scripting language.

The repr() Python routine was found to contain a flaw when handling strings encoded in UTF-32/UCS-4. A malicious user could possibly cause a Denial of Service (DoS) or arbitrary code execution condition when passing data to an application that makes use of this routine. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the name CVE-2006-4980 to this issue.

More information about these vulnerabilities can be found in the security advisory issued by RedHat Linux:

2. Avaya System Products with Python installed:

Product: Affected Version(s): Risk Level: Actions:
Avaya Intuity LX All Low See recommended actions below.  This issue will be addressed in accordance with Avaya's Product Security Vulnerability Response Policy
Avaya Messaging Storage Server All Low See recommended actions below.  This issue will be addressed in accordance with Avaya's Product Security Vulnerability Response Policy
Avaya Message Networking All Low See recommended actions below.  This issue will be addressed in accordance with Avaya's Product Security Vulnerability Response Policy
Avaya CCS/SES 3.1.1 Low See recommended actions below.  This issue will be addressed in accordance with Avaya's Product Security Vulnerability Response Policy

Recommended Actions:
For all system products which use vulnerable versions of Python, Avaya recommends that customers restrict local and network access to the server. This restriction should be enforced through the use of physical security, firewalls, ACLs, VPNs, and other generally-accepted networking practices until such time as an update becomes available and can be installed.

3. Avaya Software-Only Products

Avaya software-only products operate on general-purpose operating systems. Occasionally vulnerabilities may be discovered in the underlying operating system or applications that come with the operating system. These vulnerabilities often do not impact the software-only product directly but may threaten the integrity of the underlying platform.

In the case of this advisory Avaya software-only products are not affected by the vulnerability directly but the underlying Linux platform may be. Customers should determine on which Linux operating system the product was installed and then follow that vendors guidance:

4. Software-Only Products:

Product: Affected Version(s): Risk Level: Actions:
CVLAN All None Depending on the Operating System provided by customers, the affected package may be installed on the underlying Operating System supporting the CVLAN application. The CVLAN application does not require the software described in this advisory.
Avaya Integrated Management Suite(IMS) All None Depending on the Operating System provided by customers, the affected package may be installed on the underlying Operating System supporting the IMS application. The IMS application does not require the software described in this advisory.

Recommended Actions:
Avaya recommends that customers follow recommended actions supplied by the Operating System vendor (e.g. RedHat Linux) or remove the affected package.

5. Additional Information:

Additional information may also be available via the Avaya support website and through your Avaya account representative. Please contact your Avaya product support representative, or dial 1-800-242-2121, with any questions.

6. Disclaimer:

ALL INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION AND IS PROVIDED "AS IS". AVAYA INC., ON BEHALF ITSELF AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES (HEREINAFTER COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS "AVAYA"), DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND FURTHERMORE, AVAYA MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT THE STEPS RECOMMENDED WILL ELIMINATE SECURITY OR VIRUS THREATS TO CUSTOMERS' SYSTEMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL AVAYA BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE INFORMATION OR RECOMMENDED ACTIONS PROVIDED HEREIN, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF AVAYA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT AFFECT THE SUPPORT AGREEMENTS IN PLACE FOR AVAYA PRODUCTS. SUPPORT FOR AVAYA PRODUCTS CONTINUES TO BE EXECUTED AS PER EXISTING AGREEMENTS WITH AVAYA.

7. Revision History:

V 1.0 - October 12, 2006 - Initial Statement issued.

Send information regarding any discovered security problems with Avaya products to either the contact noted in the product's documentation or [email protected].

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