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CVE-2016-2856: pt_chown in the glibc package before 2.19-18+deb8u4 on Debian jessie; the elibc package before 2.15-0ubuntu...

pt_chown in the glibc package before 2.19-18+deb8u4 on Debian jessie; the elibc package before 2.15-0ubuntu10.14 on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS and before 2.19-0ubuntu6.8 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS; and the glibc package before 2.21-0ubuntu4.2 on Ubuntu 15.10 and before 2.23-0ubuntu1 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and 16.10 lacks a namespace check associated with file-descriptor passing, which allows local users to capture keystrokes and spoof data, and possibly gain privileges, via pts read and write operations, related to debian/sysdeps/linux.mk. NOTE: this is not considered a vulnerability in the upstream GNU C Library because the upstream documentation has a clear security recommendation against the --enable-pt_chown option.

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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

This flaw affects old Debian and Ubuntu glibc/eglibc builds using pt_chown. A local user could interfere with pseudo-terminal handling, potentially reading keystrokes, spoofing terminal data, and possibly gaining more privileges. It matters mainly on legacy multi-user or hosting systems where untrusted local users can run code. Exposure is most likely on Debian jessie and Ubuntu 12.04, 14.04, 15.10, 16.04, or 16.10 systems running vulnerable glibc/eglibc package versions with pt_chown enabled. Modern supported systems are less likely affected unless they retain equivalent legacy packaging behavior. Treat this as a legacy-platform remediation issue, not an internet-wide emergency. Prioritize shared systems and environments with untrusted local users. If affected releases remain in production, patch or isolate them because terminal keystroke exposure and possible privilege gain can undermine administrator trust boundaries. Mitigation focus: Upgrade Debian jessie glibc to 2.19-18+deb8u4 or later.; Upgrade Ubuntu glibc/eglibc to the fixed versions named in Ubuntu advisories.; Check current Debian and Ubuntu vendor guidance for supported replacement packages..

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CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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