Description
The get_contents function in nss_files/files-XXX.c in the Name Service Switch (NSS) in GNU C Library (aka glibc or libc6) before 2.20 might allow local users to cause a denial of service (heap corruption) or gain privileges via a long line in the NSS files database.
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 | glibc | 2.21-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | glibc | 2.21-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | glibc | 2.21-1 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | eglibc | 2.19-0ubuntu6.8 | USN-2985-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 7 | nscd +7 | 2.17-106.el7_2.1 | RHSA-2015:2172 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 7.1 EUS | nscd +7 | 2.17-79.ael7b_1 | RHSA-2015:2589 |
Oracle Linux
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Linux 7 | nscd +6 | 2.17-106.0.1.el7_2.1 | ELSA-2015-2172 |
Advisories 4
- RHSA-2015:2589 Red Hat Security Advisory: glibc security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 28, 2026
- RHSA-2015:2172 Red Hat Security Advisory: glibc security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- USN-2985-1 eglibc, glibc vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 27, 2026
- ELSA-2015-2172 Important: glibc security update (Oracle Linux 7) Oracle Linux Security Advisories (ELSA) · Nov 25, 2015
References
- USN-2985-2 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2015:2172 vendor-advisory
- GLSA-201702-11 vendor-advisory
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinoct2015-2719645.html
- 1034196 vdb-entry
- [libc-alpha] 20140909 The GNU C Library version 2.20 is now available mailing-list
- 78092 vdb-entry
- https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=17079
- USN-2985-1 vendor-advisory
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1262914
- 20190904 SEC Consult SA-20190904-0 :: Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco router series RV34X, RV26X and RV16X mailing-list
- 20190904 SEC Consult SA-20190904-0 :: Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco router series RV34X, RV26X and RV16X mailing-list
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154361/Cisco-Device-Hardcoded-Credentials-GNU-glibc-BusyBox.html