CVE-2017-5335 : What You Need to Know

GnuTLS library prior to versions 3.3.26 and 3.5.x before 3.5.8 is vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to a flaw in the reading functions for streams in the file read-packet.c.

Understanding CVE-2017-5335

This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in the GnuTLS library that could be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service by utilizing a maliciously crafted OpenPGP certificate.

What is CVE-2017-5335?

The vulnerability in the GnuTLS library allows remote attackers to induce a denial of service by triggering an out-of-memory error through a specially crafted OpenPGP certificate.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5335

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a system crash, causing disruption and potential downtime for affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5335

The technical details of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw exists in the stream reading functions in lib/opencdk/read-packet.c in GnuTLS versions prior to 3.3.26 and 3.5.x before 3.5.8, allowing remote attackers to cause a denial of service through an out-of-memory error and system crash triggered by a crafted OpenPGP certificate.

Affected Systems and Versions

GnuTLS versions before 3.3.26
GnuTLS versions 3.5.x before 3.5.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted OpenPGP certificate to the target system, inducing an out-of-memory error that results in a system crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-5335, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GnuTLS to version 3.3.26 or 3.5.8, which contain fixes for this vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any signs of unusual activity that could indicate an exploit attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by GnuTLS promptly to ensure that the vulnerability is mitigated and the system is secure.