CVE-2017-17507 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A flaw has been identified in the function H5T_conv_struct_opt within the HDF5 library version 1.10.1, leading to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. If an attacker opens a manipulated HDF5 file using h5dump, a crash may occur.

Understanding CVE-2017-17507

This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the HDF5 library version 1.10.1.

What is CVE-2017-17507?

CVE-2017-17507 is a vulnerability in the H5T_conv_struct_opt function in the HDF5 library version 1.10.1, which could be exploited by opening a manipulated HDF5 file using h5dump, resulting in a crash.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17507

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to crash the application by exploiting the out-of-bounds read issue in the HDF5 library.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17507

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the H5T_conv_struct_opt function in libhdf5.a, leading to an out-of-bounds read issue. Opening a crafted HDF5 file with h5dump triggers the crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using HDF5 library version 1.10.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker opens a manipulated HDF5 file using h5dump

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-17507 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the HDF5 library to a patched version
Avoid opening untrusted HDF5 files

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries
Implement file input validation to prevent malformed files

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the HDF5 library maintainers