CVE-2018-17435 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2018-17435 was published on September 24, 2018, by MITRE. It involves a vulnerability in the HDF HDF5 library up to version 1.10.3 that can result in a denial of service attack when a malicious HDF5 file is utilized during the conversion process to a GIF file.

Understanding CVE-2018-17435

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability within the HDF HDF5 library that could be exploited to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2018-17435?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-17435 is a heap-based buffer over-read in the H5O_attr_decode() function within the H5Oattr.c file of the HDF HDF5 library up to version 1.10.3. Attackers can leverage this flaw by using a crafted HDF5 file to trigger a denial of service condition.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17435

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack, potentially disrupting the functionality of systems processing HDF5 files during conversion to GIF format.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17435

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in H5O_attr_decode() in H5Oattr.c of the HDF HDF5 library up to version 1.10.3 allows attackers to cause a denial of service through a crafted HDF5 file, resulting in a heap-based buffer over-read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: HDF HDF5 library
Versions affected: Up to version 1.10.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing a malicious HDF5 file during the conversion process to a GIF file, triggering the heap-based buffer over-read.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-17435, it is crucial to implement immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices to enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the HDF HDF5 library to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Avoid opening untrusted HDF5 files, especially during conversion processes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of patches and updates provided by the HDF HDF5 library to remediate the vulnerability and enhance system security.