CVE-2017-6891 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-6891, published on May 22, 2017, involves vulnerabilities in GnuTLS libtasn1 version 4.10 that can lead to a stack-based buffer overflow. This CVE can be exploited by manipulating assignments files through applications like asn1Coding.

Understanding CVE-2017-6891

This CVE pertains to two vulnerabilities in the "asn1_find_node()" function within GnuTLS libtasn1 version 4.10.

What is CVE-2017-6891?

The "asn1_find_node()" function in GnuTLS libtasn1 version 4.10 has two vulnerabilities that can be abused to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow. This can be accomplished by deceiving a user into handling a particularly manipulated assignments file through applications like asn1Coding.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6891

The vulnerabilities in CVE-2017-6891 can lead to a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially resulting in a system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6891

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The errors in the "asn1_find_node()" function within GnuTLS libtasn1 version 4.10 can be exploited to cause a stack-based buffer overflow by tricking a user into processing a specially crafted assignments file via applications like asn1Coding.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GnuTLS libtasn1
Vendor: Flexera Software LLC
Affected Version: 4.10. Other versions may also be affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2017-6891 involves deceiving a user into handling a manipulated assignments file through applications like asn1Coding.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-6891 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GnuTLS libtasn1 to a patched version to mitigate the vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks associated with processing untrusted files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflows.
Regularly monitor and update software to address security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor to fix the vulnerabilities in GnuTLS libtasn1 version 4.10.