CVE-2017-17526 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2017-17526, a vulnerability in Bernard Parisse Giac's Input.cc allowing argument-injection attacks via crafted URLs. Learn mitigation steps here.
CVE-2017-17526 was published on December 14, 2017, by MITRE. It involves a vulnerability in Bernard Parisse Giac's Input.cc that could allow malicious actors to execute argument-injection attacks through a specially crafted URL.
Understanding CVE-2017-17526
This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in the validation process of strings before executing a program specified by the BROWSER environment variable in Bernard Parisse Giac's Input.cc.
What is CVE-2017-17526?
The version 1.2.3.57 of Bernard Parisse Giac's Input.cc lacks proper string validation, enabling attackers to perform argument-injection attacks via a manipulated URL.
The Impact of CVE-2017-17526
The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious individuals to execute arbitrary code or commands on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data manipulation.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-17526
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
Input.cc in Bernard Parisse Giac 1.2.3.57 fails to validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable, opening the door for remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks through a crafted URL.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: N/A
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: 1.2.3.57 (affected)
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the BROWSER environment variable with a specially crafted URL to inject malicious arguments and potentially execute unauthorized commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-17526, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable the BROWSER environment variable if not essential for system functionality.
- Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent injection attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the software vendor to apply patches promptly and enhance system security.