CVE-2017-10979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability referred to as FR-GV-202 has been discovered in FreeRADIUS 2.x software versions prior to 2.2.10. This vulnerability, also known as 'Write overflow in rad_coalesce()', can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service, potentially leading to a crash of the daemon, or to potentially execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2017-10979

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in FreeRADIUS 2.x versions before 2.2.10 that could allow remote attackers to trigger a denial of service or execute arbitrary code.

What is CVE-2017-10979?

CVE-2017-10979, also known as FR-GV-202, is a security flaw in FreeRADIUS 2.x versions prior to 2.2.10 that enables remote attackers to exploit a write overflow in rad_coalesce(), potentially resulting in a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2017-10979

The vulnerability could lead to a crash of the daemon or allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant risk to the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-10979

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in FreeRADIUS 2.x before 2.2.10, known as 'Write overflow in rad_coalesce()', allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: FreeRADIUS 2.x
Versions affected: Versions prior to 2.2.10

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by attackers to trigger a denial of service, potentially resulting in a daemon crash or the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-10979 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FreeRADIUS to version 2.2.10 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest patches and updates provided by FreeRADIUS to address the vulnerability.