CVE-2017-10985 : What You Need to Know

FreeRADIUS 3.x versions prior to 3.0.15 are affected by a vulnerability known as FR-GV-302, allowing an attacker to trigger a denial of service through an infinite loop and memory exhaustion using 'concat' attributes.

Understanding CVE-2017-10985

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in FreeRADIUS 3.x versions that can lead to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2017-10985?

CVE-2017-10985, also known as FR-GV-302, is a security vulnerability in FreeRADIUS 3.x versions before 3.0.15. It enables attackers to exploit an infinite loop and memory exhaustion by utilizing 'concat' attributes, resulting in a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2017-10985

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of FreeRADIUS servers, potentially leading to service unavailability and system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-10985

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2017-10985 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The FR-GV-302 issue in FreeRADIUS 3.x versions before 3.0.15 permits an attacker to exploit 'concat' attributes, causing an infinite loop and memory exhaustion, ultimately resulting in a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: FreeRADIUS
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions of FreeRADIUS 3.x before 3.0.15

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating 'concat' attributes to trigger an infinite loop, consuming system memory excessively and leading to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-10985 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FreeRADIUS: Apply the latest patch or upgrade to version 3.0.15 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor System Activity: Keep a close eye on system performance for any signs of unusual activity that may indicate an ongoing attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Security Audits: Conduct periodic security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in the system.
Employee Training: Educate staff on best practices for handling network security threats and maintaining system integrity.

Patching and Updates

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of security advisories and updates from FreeRADIUS to promptly address any new vulnerabilities.