CVE-2006-5466 in RPM Package Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the showQueryPackage function in librpm in RPM Package Manager 4.4.8, when the LANG environment variable is set to ru_RU.UTF-8, might allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted RPM packages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5466 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the RPM Package Manager's librpm library version 4.4.8. This flaw specifically manifests in the showQueryPackage function when the system locale is configured to ru_RU.UTF-8, creating a condition where maliciously crafted RPM packages can trigger unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory structures and enabling arbitrary code execution. This particular attack vector demonstrates the intersection of internationalization handling and memory safety issues, where locale-specific character encoding processing creates unexpected memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of UTF-8 encoded strings within the showQueryPackage function. When the LANG environment variable is set to ru_RU.UTF-8, the system processes Unicode characters using multibyte encoding sequences that exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw occurs during string processing operations where the application fails to properly validate the length of input data against buffer boundaries, particularly when handling locale-specific character sets that require extended byte sequences. This condition creates a scenario where attackers can construct RPM packages containing specially crafted metadata that, when processed by the vulnerable librpm library, triggers the buffer overflow. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted since it requires the target system to process the malicious RPM package, typically through normal package management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5466 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the RPM package manager, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability affects systems where the Russian locale is configured, making it particularly relevant in enterprise environments where internationalization support is enabled. The attack requires minimal prerequisites beyond having a system configured with ru_RU.UTF-8 locale and access to install or process malicious RPM packages, making it a significant threat in environments where package management operations are frequent and automated. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader security implications of internationalization and localization features in software, where character encoding handling can create unexpected security weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5466 should focus on immediate patching of the RPM Package Manager to version 4.4.9 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. System administrators should implement strict package verification procedures and avoid processing RPM packages from untrusted sources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through package management tools. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce exploitability, while also monitoring package installation activities for suspicious patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive testing of internationalization features and proper input validation in security-critical applications. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of locale-specific processing paths to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other software components.