CVE-2017-14246 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-14246 was published on September 21, 2017, and is related to a vulnerability in libsndfile 1.0.28 that could lead to a remote Denial of Service (DoS) attack or information disclosure due to mishandling of floating-point values.

Understanding CVE-2017-14246

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

What is CVE-2017-14246?

The vulnerability in the function d2ulaw_array() within the ulaw.c file of libsndfile 1.0.28 allows for an out-of-bounds read due to improper handling of NAN and INFINITY floating-point values.

The Impact of CVE-2017-14246

The vulnerability could result in a remote Denial of Service (DoS) attack or disclosure of sensitive information, posing a significant risk to systems utilizing the affected library.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-14246

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the description of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the d2ulaw_array() function of libsndfile 1.0.28 allows for an out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to a remote DoS attack or information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 1.0.28

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is triggered by improper handling of NAN and INFINITY floating-point values, which can be exploited to perform a remote DoS attack or disclose sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-14246.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update libsndfile to a patched version to address the vulnerability.
Monitor security advisories for any further updates or patches related to this issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by the libsndfile project or relevant vendors to mitigate the risk of exploitation.