CVE-2017-5851 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A crafted file can cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) in the free_options function of options_manager.c in mp3splt 2.6.2. This crash in the command-line program typically does not pose any risk or have further consequences on availability.

Understanding CVE-2017-5851

This CVE involves a vulnerability in mp3splt 2.6.2 that allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service through a crafted file.

What is CVE-2017-5851?

The vulnerability in mp3splt 2.6.2 can lead to a denial of service due to a NULL pointer dereference and crash when processing a specially crafted file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5851

The crash caused by this vulnerability usually does not have any significant consequences on the availability of the command-line program.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5851

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The free_options function in options_manager.c in mp3splt 2.6.2 is susceptible to a NULL pointer dereference and crash when processing a malicious file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: mp3splt 2.6.2
No specific affected systems or vendors mentioned

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing a specially crafted file to trigger the NULL pointer dereference and subsequent crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5851 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening or processing untrusted or suspicious files with mp3splt 2.6.2
Consider using alternative software until a patch is available

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions
Implement robust file validation mechanisms to prevent exploitation

Patching and Updates

Ensure to monitor for patches or updates released by the software vendor to address the vulnerability.