CVE-2018-17174 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the stack-based buffer overflow in xtimor NMEA library version 0.5.3 (CVE-2018-17174). Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in the xtimor NMEA library version 0.5.3, allowing attackers to trigger denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code. This CVE was made public on September 19, 2018.
Understanding CVE-2018-17174
The xtimor NMEA library version 0.5.3 is susceptible to a buffer overflow vulnerability that can be exploited to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code.
What is CVE-2018-17174?
The vulnerability lies in the function nmea_parse() in parser.c, allowing attackers to manipulate the stack and potentially execute arbitrary code by sending malformed data to a product using this library.
The Impact of CVE-2018-17174
This vulnerability could lead to denial of service or unauthorized execution of arbitrary code within a specific context, posing a significant security risk to systems utilizing the affected library.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-17174
The technical details of the CVE-2018-17174 vulnerability are as follows:
Vulnerability Description
A stack-based buffer overflow in the xtimor NMEA library version 0.5.3, specifically in the nmea_parse() function in parser.c, allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Version: 0.5.3 (affected)
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be triggered by sending malformed data to a product incorporating the xtimor NMEA library version 0.5.3, enabling attackers to cause denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-17174, consider the following mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update to a patched version of the xtimor NMEA library if available.
- Implement input validation to prevent malformed data from triggering the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates related to the xtimor NMEA library.
- Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by the library maintainers promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.