CVE-2017-15018 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in LAME versions 3.99.5, 3.99.4, 3.99.3, 3.99.2, 3.99.1, 3.99, 3.98.4, 3.98.2, and 3.98. Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
LAME versions 3.99.5, 3.99.4, 3.99.3, 3.99.2, 3.99.1, 3.99, 3.98.4, 3.98.2, and 3.98 are affected by a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability. This vulnerability arises when processing a malformed file in k_34_4 within the vbrquantize.c file.
Understanding CVE-2017-15018
This CVE entry identifies a specific security vulnerability in LAME versions.
What is CVE-2017-15018?
The CVE-2017-15018 vulnerability is a heap-based buffer over-read issue in various versions of the LAME software.
The Impact of CVE-2017-15018
This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the heap-based buffer over-read.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-15018
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability occurs in LAME versions 3.99.5, 3.99.4, 3.99.3, 3.99.2, 3.99.1, 3.99, 3.98.4, 3.98.2, and 3.98 due to a heap-based buffer over-read when handling malformed files in k_34_4 within vbrquantize.c.
Affected Systems and Versions
- LAME 3.99.5
- LAME 3.99.4
- LAME 3.99.3
- LAME 3.99.2
- LAME 3.99.1
- LAME 3.99
- LAME 3.98.4
- LAME 3.98.2
- LAME 3.98
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by processing a specially crafted file in k_34_4 within the vbrquantize.c file, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15018 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update LAME to a patched version that addresses the heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.
- Avoid opening files from untrusted sources to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement robust file validation mechanisms to detect and prevent malformed files.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all systems running affected versions of LAME are promptly updated with the latest patches to mitigate the CVE-2017-15018 vulnerability.