CVE-2017-1000254 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2017-1000254, a vulnerability in libcurl allowing buffer over-read when connecting to FTP servers. Learn how to mitigate and prevent potential crashes and data access issues.
libcurl FTP Functionality Buffer Over-read Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2017-1000254
What is CVE-2017-1000254?
The vulnerability in libcurl allows reading beyond the allocated buffer when connecting to an FTP server, potentially leading to crashes or data access beyond buffer boundaries.
The Impact of CVE-2017-1000254
- Malicious servers can disrupt libcurl-based clients
- High likelihood of triggering a segmentation fault
- Introduced in March 2005, fixed in libcurl version 7.56.0
Technical Details of CVE-2017-1000254
Vulnerability Description
- Flaw in string parser for directory name in FTP functionality
- Failure to append a trailing NUL byte to the buffer
- Potential crash or incorrect data access
Affected Systems and Versions
- All systems using libcurl versions prior to 7.56.0
Exploitation Mechanism
- Malicious servers can exploit malformed PWD responses
- Reading beyond allocated buffer due to missing closing double quote
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update libcurl to version 7.56.0 or newer
- Monitor vendor advisories for patches
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries
- Implement network security measures
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by libcurl