Bug#232445: dpkg in an endless loop

[debbug2@danisch.de]

Package: dpkg
Version: 1.10.18

Hi,

I installed a a new machine today from a debian mirror
on a harddisk synchronized about 2-3 weeks ago (sid).

after installing the meta package "gnome" a special
problem occured: When configuring the packages
(and every time when trying  dpkg --configure --pending)
dpkg goes into an endless loop.

It consumes about 99% of cpu time. 

strace shows that it does not do any system calls except
for stat on several postinst files very rarely (about every
10-30seconds or so).

ltrace shows that it keeps copying parts of package descriptions 
(like in the available file) around.

Version is 1.10.18

Any idea?

regards
Hadmut