CVE-2017-11571 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

FontForge 20161012 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow in the addnibble function (parsettf.c), potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) or arbitrary code execution through a specially-crafted OpenType Font (OTF) file.

Understanding CVE-2017-11571

This CVE entry describes a critical vulnerability in FontForge 20161012 that could be exploited by an attacker to cause a DoS condition or execute malicious code.

What is CVE-2017-11571?

The vulnerability in FontForge 20161012 involves a stack-based buffer overflow in the addnibble function (parsettf.c), which could be triggered by a specially-crafted OTF file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-11571

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial-of-service (DoS) situation or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-11571

FontForge 20161012 is susceptible to a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that can have severe consequences if exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in a stack-based buffer overflow in the addnibble function (parsettf.c) of FontForge 20161012.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: FontForge 20161012
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by supplying a specially-crafted OpenType Font (OTF) file to trigger the stack-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2017-11571.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening or processing untrusted OTF files.
Apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions.
Implement robust security measures to prevent buffer overflow attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from FontForge.
Apply patches promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.