CVE-2018-16717 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The NCBI ToolBox's legacy versions, ranging from 2.0.7 to 2.2.26, contain a vulnerability in nph-viewgif.cgi, specifically a heap-based buffer overflow.

Understanding CVE-2018-16717

This CVE involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the NCBI ToolBox's legacy versions.

What is CVE-2018-16717?

A heap-based buffer overflow exists in nph-viewgif.cgi in the 2.0.7 through 2.2.26 legacy versions of the NCBI ToolBox.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16717

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
It may lead to a denial of service or potentially allow attackers to take control of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16717

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in nph-viewgif.cgi in legacy versions 2.0.7 to 2.2.26 of the NCBI ToolBox.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions: 2.0.7 to 2.2.26 of the NCBI ToolBox.
No specific product or vendor information provided.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting malicious input to trigger the buffer overflow in nph-viewgif.cgi.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16717 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of the NCBI ToolBox if available.
Implement network security measures to restrict access to vulnerable components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for the NCBI ToolBox.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by the NCBI ToolBox to address the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability.