CVE-2018-17281 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-17281, a stack consumption vulnerability in Asterisk software versions 13.23.0 to 13.21-cert2, 14.7.x to 14.7.7, and 15.x to 15.6.0. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A stack consumption vulnerability has been identified in the res_http_websocket.so module of Asterisk versions 13.23.0 to 13.21-cert2, 14.7.x to 14.7.7, and 15.x to 15.6.0, as well as in Certified Asterisk. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to crash Asterisk by sending a specific HTTP request to upgrade the connection to a websocket.
Understanding CVE-2018-17281
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Asterisk software that could allow an attacker to crash the system by manipulating HTTP requests.
What is CVE-2018-17281?
CVE-2018-17281 is a stack consumption vulnerability found in the res_http_websocket.so module of Asterisk versions 13.23.0 to 13.21-cert2, 14.7.x to 14.7.7, and 15.x to 15.6.0, as well as in Certified Asterisk. The flaw enables an attacker to crash the Asterisk system by sending a specific HTTP request to upgrade the connection to a websocket.
The Impact of CVE-2018-17281
This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to remotely crash Asterisk systems, leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-17281
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the res_http_websocket.so module of Asterisk, allowing attackers to crash the system through a crafted HTTP request to upgrade the connection to a websocket.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Asterisk versions 13.23.0 to 13.21-cert2
- Asterisk versions 14.7.x to 14.7.7
- Asterisk versions 15.x to 15.6.0
- Certified Asterisk
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specific HTTP request to upgrade the connection to a websocket, causing the system to crash.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-17281 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting the Asterisk system.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Asterisk software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Asterisk to apply patches promptly and enhance system security.