CVE-2017-8842 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

CVE-2017-8842 was published on May 8, 2017, by MITRE. It involves a vulnerability in the lrzip version 0.631 that can lead to a denial of service attack due to a divide-by-zero error. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely by attackers using a specially crafted archive.

Understanding CVE-2017-8842

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the lrzip software version 0.631 that can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2017-8842?

The vulnerability in the bufRead::get() function within the liblrzip.so library in lrzip version 0.631 allows remote attackers to trigger a divide-by-zero error, resulting in a crash of the affected application.

The Impact of CVE-2017-8842

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack, causing the affected application to crash, potentially disrupting normal operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-8842

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The bufRead::get() function in libzpaq/libzpaq.h within liblrzip.so in lrzip 0.631 is susceptible to a divide-by-zero error when processing specially crafted archives, enabling remote attackers to crash the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Version: 0.631

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by utilizing a maliciously crafted archive to trigger the divide-by-zero error, leading to a crash of the targeted application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-8842, it is crucial to implement immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices to enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update lrzip to a patched version if available
Implement network security measures to prevent remote exploitation

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by lrzip
Apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation