CVE-2017-12940 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-12940, a vulnerability in the UnRAR library version prior to 5.5.7, allowing for an out-of-bounds read. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2017-12940 was published on August 18, 2017, and pertains to a vulnerability in the UnRAR library version prior to 5.5.7. The vulnerability leads to an out-of-bounds read due to an issue in the EncodeFileName::Decode call within the Archive::ReadHeader15 function.
Understanding CVE-2017-12940
This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the UnRAR library that could potentially be exploited by attackers.
What is CVE-2017-12940?
The vulnerability in the UnRAR library version prior to 5.5.7 allows for an out-of-bounds read, which can be triggered by a particular function call within the library.
The Impact of CVE-2017-12940
The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to read data outside the bounds of allocated memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or a denial of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-12940
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in libunrar.a before version 5.5.7 results in an out-of-bounds read triggered by the EncodeFileName::Decode call within the Archive::ReadHeader15 function.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious input that triggers the vulnerable function call, leading to the out-of-bounds read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-12940 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the UnRAR library to version 5.5.7 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software libraries and components to ensure known vulnerabilities are patched.
- Implement code reviews and security testing to catch potential vulnerabilities early.
- Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software components, including libraries like UnRAR, are regularly updated to the latest versions to address known security issues.