CVE-2018-16765 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-16765, a vulnerability in WebAssembly Virtual Machine (WAVM) prior to 2018-07-26 that allows denial-of-service attacks due to a heap buffer overflow. Find out how to mitigate the risks and prevent exploitation.
WebAssembly Virtual Machine (WAVM) prior to 2018-07-26 is vulnerable to a denial-of-service attack due to a heap buffer overflow.
Understanding CVE-2018-16765
A specifically manipulated file sent to the WebAssembly Virtual Machine in WAVM prior to 2018-07-26 could potentially result in a denial-of-service instance (application crash) or hold potential for other unknown consequences due to an unmentioned "heap-buffer-overflow" situation within FunctionValidationContext::else_.
What is CVE-2018-16765?
CVE-2018-16765 is a vulnerability in WAVM that allows an attacker to send a crafted file to the WebAssembly Virtual Machine, leading to a denial-of-service attack or other potential impacts.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16765
The vulnerability may result in a denial-of-service instance (application crash) or have other unknown consequences due to a heap buffer overflow in FunctionValidationContext::else_.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16765
WebAssembly Virtual Machine (WAVM) through 2018-07-26 is affected by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
A crafted file sent to the WebAssembly Virtual Machine may cause a denial of service (application crash) or have unspecified other impacts due to a heap buffer overflow in FunctionValidationContext::else_.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specifically manipulated file to the WebAssembly Virtual Machine in WAVM.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2018-16765.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by the vendor.
- Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of cybersecurity.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the WebAssembly Virtual Machine (WAVM) is updated to a version released after 2018-07-26 to mitigate the vulnerability.