WordPress 3.1.1 Patches Minor XSS Flaws
WordPress have released a minor 3.1.1 update which patches an XSS flaw on the database upgrade screens. The change log also mentions a strengthening of security mechanisms relating to media uploads, and fixes to potential PHP crashes caused by complex hyperlinks. The update also includes a number of other security and bug fixes.
It’s a fairly minor update that shouldn’t break any plugins. Update when ready.
Mac OS X 10.6.7 and Security Update 2011-001
Apple has released 10.6.7 and its first security patch of the year, 2011-001, fixing a large number of bugs and vulnerabilities. In particular it fixes a known graphics bug in the 2011 MacBook Pros. It also improves Back To My Mac connectivity and SMB (windows file sharing). From a security perspective it fixes issues in a number of components including the Kernel, Airport, ImageIO, and QuickTime, many of which potentially lead to remote code execution. This update also adds detection for the OSX.OpinionSpy spyware to Mac OS X’s built-in file quarantine.
It’s a fairly big update, so users are naturally advised to patch soon. Hit the jump for the full list of security issues fixed. Read more
Safari Errorjacking Vulnerability and Exploit [Patched]
One of the vulnerabilities patched in Safari 5.0.4 is a fairly critical issue in WebKit (CVE-2011-0167) that allows Javascript to jump into the local zone, and access any file on the local computer that is accessible to the current user. This could be used by malicious websites to extract files and information from the victim’s computer. The vulnerability affects Safari on Mac OS X and Windows, and could affect other WebKit-based browsers, although Chrome is safe due to added restrictions.
The bug exists because most browser error pages are loaded from the local “file:” zone, a zone that Javascript is not normally allowed to access directly. Since a child browser window remains under the control of the parent, it is possible to cause a child browser window to error, thus entering the normally-restricted local zone, and then instructing the child window to access local files using this elevated local-zone privilege.
This issue was a nice catch, discovered by Aaron Sigel who has a detailed explanation, video demo and proof-of-concept on his blog. It probably goes without saying, but Safari users should run Software Update as soon as possible.
Apple Drops iOS 4.3 and Safari 5.0.4 Security Updates Ahead of Pwn2Own Contest
In awesome day-before-just-to-try-and-screw-with-your-exploits style, Apple has released significant security patches for iOS, Safari and Apple TV. Safari, which is one of the targets at CanSecWest’s Pwn2Own contest where hackers come to demonstrate 0day exploits, has received an update to 5.0.4, and fixes over 62 bugs including major vulnerabilities in WebKit (eg. Errorjacking) and the ImageIO and libxml libraries.
iOS 4.3 patches largely the same issues in MobileSafari, as well as a remote code execution vulnerability in CoreGraphics. iOS is expected to get a lot of attention at Pwn2Own, with at least four researchers having developed exploits. Charlie Miller and Dionysus Blazakis (@dionthegod) have one exploit which doesn’t work on update, although allegedly the vulnerability hasn’t been patched yet.
Whether or not these updates thwart some of the exploits developed for Pwn2Own remains to be seen. It’ll be cool if it prevents at least one. Either way, good job to Apple for trying.
Update: Just found out that target iPhones at Pwn2Own won’t be running the latest iOS 4.3 which does indeed prevent a number of exploits. Here’s a recap of the Pwn2Own action.
Lastly, Apple TV has been updated to 4.2 to patch a couple not-so-critical vulnerabilities in libfreetype and libtiff that could allow code execution if a malicious image were opened.
Hi the jump for the long list of issues fixed in iOS 4.3. Read more
Java Security Updates for Leopard and Snow Leopard
Apple has released Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 4 and Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9, patching a number of vulnerabilities in the Java virtual machine. The most serious of these may allow an untrusted Java applet to execute arbitrary code outside of the Java sandbox. Users with Java installed should update soon. Those of you who don’t have Java don’t need to worry. If you’re unsure, just check Software Update.
Apple recently announced that the version of Java ported by Apple for Mac OS X has been deprecated. Starting in Mac OS X 10.7 “Lion”, the Java runtime will no longer be installed by default, instead requiring users to install Oracle’s Java runtime should they require Java support. Apple also recently stopped bundling Flash with Mac OS X by default, with new MacBook Air and MacBook Pros shipping without Flash. The divesting of these two products will not only eliminate Java and Flash vulnerabilities on default installs of Mac OS X, it will allow users who install these apps to get updates quicker directly from Oracle and Adobe, instead of having to wait for Apple to release software updates.
Hit the jump for details of the Java update for 10.6.
WordPress 3.0.5 Update Fixes Security Issues
WordPress 3.0.5 has been released, and is primarily a security update focusing on vulnerabilities which can be exploited through untrusted user accounts. This follows the recent 3.0.3 and 3.0.4 updates which were also security-focused. If your WordPress installation does not have any non-admin users, then this update is less urgent, however it is recommended that you update as soon as possible anyway.
Here is a description of the five main updates:
Two moderate security issues were fixed that could have allowed a Contributor- or Author-level user to gain further access to the site.
One information disclosure issue was addressed that could have allowed an Author-level user to view contents of posts they should not be able to see, such as draft or private posts.
Two security enhancements were added. One improved the security of any plugins which were not properly leveraging our security API. The other offers additional defense in depth against a vulnerability that was fixed in previous release.
WordPress 3.1 is currently at RC4 and is expected to be officially released soon.
WordPress 3.0.4 Patches XSS Flaws in HTML Sanitation Library
WordPress have released an update (3.0.4), dubbed “the most important security release of the year”, that patches a core security bug in the HTML sanitation library (KSES). KSES is responsible for filtering user input and, as such, is used to protect WordPress sites from attacks such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). XSS vulnerabilities were discovered, however the details of these are not available (see below).
They rate this release “critical”, and so it’s recommended that all WordPress sites update as soon as possible. The full changeset for the 3.0.4 update is here. Security researchers are invited to review these changes to ensure the vulnerabilities have been fully fixed. Spread the news if you have any friends with a WordPress blog!
[Updated] One stored XSS exploit for 3.0.3 is available here.
WordPress 3.0.3 Fixes Authorization Issues
Hot on the heels of the previous update that patched an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability, WordPress have released version 3.0.3 which fixes authorization issues in the remote publishing interface. The vulnerability may allow Author and Contributor-level users to improperly edit, publish, or delete posts. WordPress state:
These issues only affect sites that have remote publishing enabled.
I would also add that these issues only affect sites that actually have Author and Contributor-level users. If you’re the only user of your blog, you don’t need to be worried (but update anyway).
Remote publishing is enabled and disabled in Settings > Writing > Remote Publishing.
Apple Releases QuickTime 7.6.9 Security Update
Apple has released QuickTime 7.6.9 for Leopard 10.5.8 and Windows (XP,V,7), patching a number of vulnerabilities including several that were fixed in the recent 10.6.5 update.
The vulnerabilities include improper handling of JP2, AVI, MPEG, Flashpix, GIF, PICT, and QTVR files. Viewing maliciously-crafted files can lead to remote code execution in some cases.
QuickTime definitely needs more strengthening. Leopard and Windows users, go forth and patch!
iOS 4.2.1 Released with Free “Find My iPhone”
Apple has finally released the highly-anticipated iOS 4.2 (actual version is 4.2.1), bringing support for the iPad along with several other feature including AirPlay and AirPrint.
Along with this release, Apple has made the “Find My iPhone” functionality in MobileMe free to all iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch device owners. This service uses a combination of GPS, cell tower and wifi-network triangulation to obtain the location of the device, which can then be mapped. It also allows you to send messages, lock or completely wipe the remote device. To use this feature, you’ll need add a MobileMe account using your iTunes Apple ID by going to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Add account. You can then track your device using the Find My iPhone app available in iTunes, or using the MobileMe web interface.
Users concerned about the privacy implications of this feature can easily disable it by going to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendar > Select your MobileMe account > Set ‘Find My iPhone’ to Off. Have a look at Apple’s KnowledgeBase article for more info on this feature.
iOS 4.2.1 brings with it a number of security updates (including Safari and numerous WebKit patches). Although it’s not mentioned in the update details, the previously-reported cool-but-deadly keylock bypass vulnerability has been fixed. Hit the jump for full details.
Related: Protecting and Recovering Your iPhone and iPad from Loss and Theft!
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