Description
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in mimetex.cgi in mimeTeX, when downloaded before 20090713, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a TeX file with long (1) picture, (2) circle, or (3) input tags.
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 14 | mimetex | 1.50-1.1 | — |
| Debian 12 | mimetex | 1.50-1.1 | — |
| Debian 5.0 | mimetex | 1.50-1+lenny1 | DSA-1917-1 |
| Debian 4.0 | mimetex | 1.50-1+etch1 | DSA-1917-1 |
Advisories 1
- DSA-1917-1 mimetex - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- ADV-2009-1875 vdb-entry
- 35752 third-party-advisory
- ADV-2010-0877 vdb-entry
- 20090713 [oCERT-2009-010] mimeTeX and mathTeX buffer overflows and commandinjection mailing-list
- mimetex-mimetex-bo(51794) vdb-entry
- 35816 third-party-advisory
- http://scary.beasts.org/security/CESA-2009-009.html
- http://www.ocert.org/advisories/ocert-2009-010.html
- http://groups.google.com/group/comp.text.tex/browse_thread/thread/5d56d3d744351578
- FEDORA-2010-6546 vendor-advisory