CVE-2018-17439 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the details of CVE-2018-17439, a vulnerability in version 1.10.3 of the HDF HDF5 library leading to a stack-based buffer overflow during file conversion. Learn about the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2018-17439 was published on September 24, 2018, and relates to a vulnerability in version 1.10.3 of the HDF HDF5 library. The issue involves a stack-based buffer overflow in the H5S_extent_get_dims() function when converting files from HDF5 to GIF format.
Understanding CVE-2018-17439
This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the HDF HDF5 library that could be exploited through a stack-based buffer overflow.
What is CVE-2018-17439?
The vulnerability in CVE-2018-17439 is centered around a stack-based buffer overflow in the H5S_extent_get_dims() function within the HDF HDF5 library. This flaw is triggered during the conversion process from HDF5 format to GIF format.
The Impact of CVE-2018-17439
The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-17439
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, outlining the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in CVE-2018-17439 is a stack-based buffer overflow in the H5S_extent_get_dims() function within the HDF HDF5 library.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: HDF HDF5 library
- Version: 1.10.3
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited during the conversion of files from HDF5 format to GIF format, triggering the stack-based buffer overflow.
Mitigation and Prevention
In response to CVE-2018-17439, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to mitigate risks and prevent exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update to a patched version of the HDF HDF5 library if available.
- Avoid converting files from HDF5 to GIF format until the vulnerability is addressed.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest secure versions.
- Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the HDF HDF5 library maintainers to address the CVE-2018-17439 vulnerability.