CVE-2017-14064 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in Ruby versions 2.2.7, 2.3.x through 2.3.4, and 2.4.x through 2.4.1 can lead to arbitrary memory exposure during a JSON.generate call.

Understanding CVE-2017-14064

What is CVE-2017-14064?

The vulnerability in Ruby versions can result in the exposure of arbitrary memory due to the use of strdup in the ext/json/ext/generator/generator.c file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-14064

The vulnerability can allow attackers to access arbitrary memory, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-14064

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the use of strdup in the generator.c file, causing the function to terminate incorrectly and return a pointer to a string with an inconsistent length.

Affected Systems and Versions

Ruby versions 2.2.7
Ruby versions 2.3.x through 2.3.4
Ruby versions 2.4.x through 2.4.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering a JSON.generate call, leading to the exposure of arbitrary memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Ruby to address the vulnerability.
Monitor official sources for updates and security advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Ruby to the latest secure versions.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory-related vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all systems running affected Ruby versions are updated with the latest patches.