CVE-2018-14352 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A problem was found in versions of Mutt prior to 1.10.1 and NeoMutt prior to 2018-07-16. The function imap_quote_string in imap/util.c does not allocate enough space for quote characters, leading to a buffer overflow on the stack.

Understanding CVE-2018-14352

This CVE relates to a buffer overflow vulnerability in Mutt and NeoMutt versions.

What is CVE-2018-14352?

CVE-2018-14352 is a vulnerability found in Mutt and NeoMutt versions that can be exploited due to insufficient space allocation for quote characters in the imap_quote_string function.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14352

The vulnerability can result in a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14352

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the imap_quote_string function in imap/util.c not leaving enough room for quote characters, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mutt versions prior to 1.10.1
NeoMutt versions prior to 2018-07-16

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-14352 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mutt and NeoMutt to versions 1.10.1 and 2018-07-16, respectively.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation to prevent buffer overflows.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.