CVE-2018-11503 : Security Advisory and Response

Remote attackers can exploit the isfootnote function in markdown.c within the libmarkdown.a library in DISCOUNT 2.2.3a to trigger a denial of service condition by providing a maliciously crafted file, as exemplified by mkd2html. The vulnerability is due to a heap-based buffer over-read.

Understanding CVE-2018-11503

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the DISCOUNT library that can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2018-11503?

The vulnerability in the isfootnote function in markdown.c in libmarkdown.a in DISCOUNT 2.2.3a allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service through a crafted file.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11503

The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition on systems running the affected DISCOUNT version.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11503

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Remote attackers can exploit the isfootnote function in markdown.c within the libmarkdown.a library in DISCOUNT 2.2.3a to cause a denial of service due to a heap-based buffer over-read.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by providing a specially crafted file, such as mkd2html, to trigger the denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11503, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by the vendor.
Avoid opening untrusted markdown files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious file execution.

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories from the vendor and apply patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.