CVE-2018-12469 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2018-12469 was published on October 4, 2018, and affects Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions prior to specific patch updates. The vulnerability involves a null pointer dereference leading to denial of service when handling invalid HTTP request parameters.

Understanding CVE-2018-12469

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server that can result in a denial of service due to a null pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2018-12469?

The vulnerability in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions prior to certain patch updates can lead to a null pointer dereference and subsequent denial of service. It occurs when the Directory Server mishandles HTTP request parameters with invalid values.

The Impact of CVE-2018-12469

The mishandling of invalid HTTP request parameters can cause the affected process to terminate, resulting in a denial of service for users of the Enterprise Server Administration web UI.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12469

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a null pointer dereference (CWE-476) triggered by mishandling invalid HTTP request parameters by the Directory Server in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions prior to specific patch updates.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Micro Focus Enterprise Developer, Micro Focus Enterprise Server
Vendor: Micro Focus
Vulnerable Versions: All versions before 3.0 Patch Update 12, 4.0 Patch Update 2, 5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an HTTP request parameter with an invalid value is incorrectly processed by the Directory Server, leading to a null pointer dereference and denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-12469 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patch updates provided by Micro Focus to fix the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activity that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Micro Focus to promptly address any new vulnerabilities.