CVE-2018-11556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Little CMS 2.9 software has an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects the cmsPipelineCheckAndRetreiveStages function within the cmslut.c file of the liblcms2.a module when processing a specially crafted TIFF file. This CVE was published on May 30, 2018.

Understanding CVE-2018-11556

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Little CMS 2.9 software that impacts the cmsPipelineCheckAndRetreiveStages function within the cmslut.c file of the liblcms2.a module.

What is CVE-2018-11556?

The vulnerability can be exploited by using a specially crafted TIFF file. Little CMS developers do not consider this vulnerability as affecting the lcms2 library itself but rather a sample program using the LIBTIFF library.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11556

The vulnerability does not directly impact the lcms2 library but affects a sample program utilizing the LIBTIFF library.
It cannot be replicated within the lcms2 library.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11556

Little CMS 2.9 software vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

Out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the cmsPipelineCheckAndRetreiveStages function within the cmslut.c file of the liblcms2.a module.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by using a specially crafted TIFF file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2018-11556 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening or processing untrusted TIFF files.
Implement file type validation mechanisms.
Monitor vendor updates for patches or workarounds.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries.
Conduct security assessments and audits.
Educate users on safe file handling practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about patches and updates from Little CMS developers and related libraries.