CVE-2017-1000083 : Security Advisory and Response

In GNOME Evince version prior to 3.24.1, a vulnerability exists in the comic book backend that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands. This CVE was assigned on July 10, 2017, and made public on September 5, 2017.

Understanding CVE-2017-1000083

This CVE affects the comic book backend in GNOME Evince, enabling attackers to execute commands remotely.

What is CVE-2017-1000083?

The vulnerability in the comic book backend of GNOME Evince allows attackers to run arbitrary commands using a specially crafted .cbt file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-1000083

The vulnerability permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by exploiting a specific file format within the Evince application.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-1000083

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the comic book backend of GNOME Evince allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by using a .cbt file in a TAR archive format with a specific filename.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GNOME Evince
Versions: Prior to 3.24.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a .cbt file with a filename starting with a substring representing a command-line option, such as "--checkpoint-action=exec=bash".

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-1000083 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GNOME Evince to version 3.24.1 or newer.
Avoid opening .cbt files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Educate users about safe file handling practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all software, including GNOME Evince, is regularly updated to the latest versions to mitigate the CVE-2017-1000083 vulnerability.