CVE-2017-12802 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

CVE-2017-12802 was published on November 9, 2017, and relates to a vulnerability in libebml2 that could lead to a denial of service attack. The function EBML_IntegerValue in the file ebmlnumber.c is susceptible to exploitation by malicious users through a manipulated mkv file.

Understanding CVE-2017-12802

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in libebml2 that could have severe consequences if exploited.

What is CVE-2017-12802?

The vulnerability in the EBML_IntegerValue function in libebml2 allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack by providing a crafted mkv file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12802

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service (assert fault) on the affected system, potentially disrupting services or causing system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12802

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The EBML_IntegerValue function in ebmlnumber.c in libebml2 through 2012-08-26 is the specific component affected by this vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Versions: up to version 2012-08-26

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users can exploit this vulnerability by providing a manipulated mkv file to trigger a denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2017-12802, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement file validation mechanisms to detect and block manipulated mkv files.
Update libebml2 to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to libebml2 and promptly apply patches released by the vendor to mitigate known vulnerabilities.