CVE-2017-17513 : Security Advisory and Response

TeX Live through 20170524 is vulnerable to argument-injection attacks due to inadequate string validation before launching programs via the BROWSER environment variable.

Understanding CVE-2017-17513

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in TeX Live versions before 20170524 that could be exploited by remote attackers.

What is CVE-2017-17513?

TeX Live versions prior to 20170524 do not properly validate strings before executing programs specified by the BROWSER environment variable. This flaw may enable remote attackers to perform argument-injection attacks using maliciously crafted URLs.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17513

The vulnerability in TeX Live could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17513

TeX Live's vulnerability to argument-injection attacks has the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

Strings are not validated before launching programs via the BROWSER environment variable.

Affected Systems and Versions

TeX Live versions before 20170524 are affected.
Specific files vulnerable to exploitation include mtxrun and related Lua scripts.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting URLs to inject malicious arguments.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-17513, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update TeX Live to version 20170524 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious URLs or visiting untrusted websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches as soon as they are available.