Learn about CVE-2017-15601, a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GNU Libextractor 1.4 associated with processing iTXt and strndup. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
GNU Libextractor 1.4 contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability associated with processing iTXt and strndup.
Understanding CVE-2017-15601
This CVE involves a specific function in GNU Libextractor 1.4 that is prone to a heap-based buffer overflow issue.
What is CVE-2017-15601?
The function EXTRACTOR_png_extract_method in the file png_extractor.c of GNU Libextractor 1.4 has a vulnerability that allows a heap-based buffer overflow. This security flaw is linked to the handling of iTXt and strndup.
The Impact of CVE-2017-15601
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on systems running the affected version of GNU Libextractor.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-15601
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue lies in the EXTRACTOR_png_extract_method function in plugins/png_extractor.c, which can be manipulated to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow during the processing of iTXt and stndup.
Affected Systems and Versions
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious iTXt or stndup data, leading to the overflow of the heap-based buffer.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15601 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
Long-Term Security Practices
Patching and Updates