CVE-2018-11468 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the __mkd_trim_line function in the libmarkdown.a library (version DISCOUNT 2.2.3a) allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition.

Understanding CVE-2018-11468

This CVE involves a specific function within the libmarkdown.a library that can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2018-11468?

The vulnerability in the __mkd_trim_line function in libmarkdown.a allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition by providing a specially crafted file.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11468

Remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) by using a crafted file.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11468

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The __mkd_trim_line function in mkdio.c in libmarkdown.a in DISCOUNT 2.2.3a allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Version: DISCOUNT 2.2.3a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing a specially crafted file, as demonstrated by the mkd2html utility.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11468, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by the vendor.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate an attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper input validation to mitigate similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the DISCOUNT library is updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability.