CVE-2018-11396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2018-11396 article provides insights into a vulnerability in GNOME Web (Epiphany) that allows remote attackers to crash the application by executing malicious JavaScript code.

Understanding CVE-2018-11396

This CVE, published on May 23, 2018, highlights a specific vulnerability in GNOME Web versions up to 3.28.2.1.

What is CVE-2018-11396?

The ephy-session.c file in the libephymain.so library in GNOME Web can be exploited by remote attackers to crash the application by executing JavaScript code that leads to accessing a NULL URL.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11396

This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) by triggering access to a NULL URL through crafted JavaScript code.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11396

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The ephy-session.c file in libephymain.so in GNOME Web allows remote attackers to crash the application via JavaScript code that triggers access to a NULL URL.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GNOME Web (Epiphany)
Versions affected: Up to 3.28.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing crafted JavaScript code that leads to accessing a NULL URL.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-11396 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GNOME Web to version 3.28.2.1 or later.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.