Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in the process_path function in gmetad/server.c in Ganglia 3.1.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a request to the gmetad service with a long pathname.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 4.0 | ganglia-monitor-core | 2.5.7-3.1etch1 | DSA-1710-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Ganglia gmetad 3.0.6 - 'process_path()' Remote Stack Buffer Overflow EDB-32726 · dos · Jan 15, 2009 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-1710-1 ganglia-monitor-core - remote code execution Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://bugzilla.ganglia.info/cgi-bin/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=223
- GLSA-200903-22 vendor-advisory
- 33506 third-party-advisory
- SUSE-SR:2009:011 vendor-advisory
- 34228 third-party-advisory
- [Ganglia-developers] 20090113 patches for: [Sec] Gmetad server BoF and network overload + [Feature] multiple requests per conn on interactive port mailing-list
- 33299 vdb-entry
- 35416 third-party-advisory