CVE-2018-14939 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

LibreOffice version 6.0.5 and earlier contain a vulnerability in the get_app_path function that mishandles the realpath function, potentially leading to a denial of service attack and other consequences when launched in specific environments.

Understanding CVE-2018-14939

This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in LibreOffice that could be exploited by attackers to crash the application or cause other unspecified impacts.

What is CVE-2018-14939?

The get_app_path function in LibreOffice through version 6.0.5 mishandles the realpath function in certain environments like FreeBSD libc, allowing attackers to trigger a denial of service or other consequences.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14939

The vulnerability could lead to a buffer overflow, application crash, and potential exploitation by attackers when LibreOffice is automatically launched with pathnames controlled by a remote website.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14939

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The get_app_path function in LibreOffice 6.0.5 and earlier mishandles the realpath function in specific environments, potentially enabling a denial of service attack and other impacts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: LibreOffice
Versions affected: 6.0.5 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating pathnames controlled by a remote website, leading to a denial of service attack and potential buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-14939, users and organizations can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update LibreOffice to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid automatically launching LibreOffice while browsing the web with pathnames controlled by external sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to LibreOffice and promptly apply patches to secure the software.