CVE-2017-7864 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

FreeType 2 before 2017-02-02 has a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability due to a heap-based buffer overflow in the tt_size_reset function.

Understanding CVE-2017-7864

This CVE entry highlights a severe security issue in FreeType 2 that could lead to potential exploitation.

What is CVE-2017-7864?

The vulnerability in FreeType 2 before 2017-02-02 is an out-of-bounds write flaw caused by a heap-based buffer overflow associated with the tt_size_reset function in truetype/ttobjs.c.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7864

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7864

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue is a heap-based buffer overflow in FreeType 2, triggered by the tt_size_reset function in truetype/ttobjs.c, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions prior to 2017-02-02

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious font file and enticing a user or application to process it, triggering the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-7864 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FreeType 2 to a version released after 2017-02-02 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Employ network security measures to detect and block malicious font files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by FreeType to address the buffer overflow vulnerability and enhance overall system security.