CVE-2017-10684 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the fmt_entry function of ncurses 6.0 can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.

Understanding CVE-2017-10684

What is CVE-2017-10684?

In ncurses 6.0, a stack-based buffer overflow in the fmt_entry function allows attackers to execute remote arbitrary code by providing a carefully crafted input.

The Impact of CVE-2017-10684

This vulnerability could lead to a remote arbitrary code execution attack if exploited by a malicious actor.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-10684

Vulnerability Description

The fmt_entry function in ncurses 6.0 has a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that can be triggered by a specially crafted input.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing a carefully crafted input to trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to remote arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor vendor advisories and security mailing lists for updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement strong input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the ncurses library is updated to a patched version to mitigate the buffer overflow vulnerability.