CVE-2017-5898 : Security Advisory and Response

Quick Emulator (Qemu) is vulnerable to an integer overflow in the emulated_apdu_from_guest function when built with CCID Card device emulator support, allowing a local attacker to cause a denial of service by sending a crafted large APDU unit.

Understanding CVE-2017-5898

This CVE involves an integer overflow vulnerability in Qemu that can be exploited locally to crash the application.

What is CVE-2017-5898?

The vulnerability in Qemu's emulated_apdu_from_guest function arises due to an integer overflow issue when the software is compiled with support for the CCID Card device emulator. By manipulating large APDU units, an attacker can trigger a denial of service, leading to an application crash.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5898

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a local attacker to disrupt the normal operation of Qemu by exploiting the integer overflow issue, resulting in a denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5898

Qemu's vulnerability in handling large APDU units can have severe consequences:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw lies in the emulated_apdu_from_guest function in usb/dev-smartcard-reader.c in Qemu.
It occurs when Qemu is compiled with support for the CCID Card device emulator.
Exploiting this vulnerability allows local attackers to crash the application by sending specially crafted large APDU units.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending specifically crafted large APDU units to the vulnerable Qemu software, triggering the integer overflow and causing a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5898 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the software vendor to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activity that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories from Qemu and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.