CVE-2018-14661 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-14661 pertains to a vulnerability in the glusterfs-server version 3.8.4, impacting systems using Red Hat Gluster Storage.

Understanding CVE-2018-14661

This CVE involves a format string attack vulnerability in the feature/locks translator of glusterfs-server version 3.8.4.

What is CVE-2018-14661?

The vulnerability arises from the improper use of the snprintf function, allowing an authenticated remote attacker to exploit it for a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14661

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity issue with a high impact on availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14661

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is due to a format string attack in the feature/locks translator of glusterfs-server version 3.8.4.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: glusterfs-server
Vendor: The Gluster Project
Version: 3.8.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality and Integrity Impact: None
Availability Impact: High

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-14661, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security updates provided by the vendor.
Monitor vendor advisories for patches and guidance.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the vendor advisories for specific patch details and instructions.