CVE-2017-17506 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An out of bounds read vulnerability was identified in the function H5Opline_pline_decode within H5Opline.c in the HDF5 library, version 1.10.1. This issue could be exploited by opening a specifically crafted HDF5 file, causing a crash in applications such as h5dump.

Understanding CVE-2017-17506

In HDF5 1.10.1, there is an out of bounds read vulnerability in the function H5Opline_pline_decode in H5Opline.c in libhdf5.a. For example, h5dump would crash when someone opens a crafted hdf5 file.

What is CVE-2017-17506?

This CVE refers to an out of bounds read vulnerability in the HDF5 library, version 1.10.1, specifically in the function H5Opline_pline_decode within H5Opline.c.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17506

Opening a specially crafted HDF5 file could lead to a crash in applications like h5dump.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17506

In-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability found in the function H5Opline_pline_decode in H5Opline.c in the HDF5 library, version 1.10.1.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected version: HDF5 library version 1.10.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitable by opening a specifically crafted HDF5 file, triggering a crash in applications like h5dump.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of the HDF5 library.
Avoid opening untrusted or suspicious HDF5 files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement file input validation to prevent exploitation through crafted files.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the HDF5 library to fix the vulnerability.