CVE-2018-16745 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been found in mgetty prior to version 1.2.1. The function fax_notify_mail() in faxrec.c does not properly sanitize the mail_to parameter, potentially leading to a buffer overflow with lengthy, untrusted input.

Understanding CVE-2018-16745

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in mgetty that could be exploited to trigger a buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2018-16745?

CVE-2018-16745 is a vulnerability in mgetty versions prior to 1.2.1, where improper sanitization of the mail_to parameter in fax_notify_mail() function could allow for a buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16745

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, potentially compromising the system's integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16745

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the fax_notify_mail() function in faxrec.c, where the mail_to parameter is not sanitized, enabling a buffer overflow if exposed to lengthy, untrusted input.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: mgetty
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions prior to 1.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious input that exceeds the buffer size allocated for the mail_to parameter, leading to a buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16745 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update mgetty to version 1.2.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software to patch known vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the mgetty project to address the vulnerability effectively.