CVE-2017-11546 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-11546 affecting TiMidity++ 2.14.0. Discover how remote attackers can exploit a crafted mid file to trigger a divide-by-zero error, leading to application crashes.
TiMidity++ 2.14.0 allows remote attackers to trigger a divide-by-zero error and crash the application by exploiting a crafted mid file.
Understanding CVE-2017-11546
What is CVE-2017-11546?
The insert_note_steps function in readmidi.c of TiMidity++ 2.14.0 can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service through a divide-by-zero error.
The Impact of CVE-2017-11546
Crafted mid files can lead to application crashes, especially disruptive when the --background option is enabled.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-11546
Vulnerability Description
- Vulnerability Type: Denial of Service (DoS) via divide-by-zero error
- Component: TiMidity++ 2.14.0
- Exploitation: Crafted mid file
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Version: TiMidity++ 2.14.0
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Vector: Remote
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable the --background option if not essential
- Avoid opening untrusted or unknown mid files
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update TiMidity++ to the latest version
- Implement proper input validation mechanisms
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by TiMidity++ to address the vulnerability