CVE-2018-11738 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in The Sleuth Kit (TSK) versions 4.0.2 to 4.6.1 that could potentially lead to a denial of service attack or exposure of sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2018-11738

What is CVE-2018-11738?

An issue in the libtskfs.a file within The Sleuth Kit (TSK) versions 4.0.2 to 4.6.1 allows for reading beyond memory boundaries, specifically in the ntfs_make_data_run function in tsk/fs/ntfs.c.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11738

This vulnerability could enable attackers to access undisclosed information or exploit memory locations not mapped, resulting in a denial of service attack.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11738

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in libtskfs.a in TSK versions 4.0.2 to 4.6.1 permits an out-of-bounds read in the ntfs_make_data_run function, posing a risk of information disclosure or denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: The Sleuth Kit (TSK)
Versions: 4.0.2 to 4.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to read beyond memory boundaries, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update TSK to a patched version immediately.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running TSK are updated with the latest patches and security fixes.