CVE-2017-16879 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ncurses 6.0 can lead to a denial of service or potential execution of arbitrary code when exploited through a crafted terminfo file.

Understanding CVE-2017-16879

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the _nc_write_entry function in ncurses 6.0 that can be triggered by a specially crafted terminfo file, potentially resulting in a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2017-16879?

The _nc_write_entry function in tinfo/write_entry.c in ncurses 6.0 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through a specifically crafted terminfo file, such as tic, leading to a denial of service (application crash) or potential execution of arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16879

This vulnerability can result in a denial of service (application crash) or, in more severe cases, the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16879

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a stack-based buffer overflow in the _nc_write_entry function in tinfo/write_entry.c in ncurses 6.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

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Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using a specifically crafted terminfo file, such as tic, to trigger the stack-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-16879 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor vendor advisories and security mailing lists for updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators about safe computing practices to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Consider implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect and block malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.