CVE-2018-17983 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-17983, a vulnerability in Mercurial software before version 4.7.2 allowing an out-of-bounds read. Find out how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
In the Mercurial software, a vulnerability exists in the file cext/manifest.c before version 4.7.2, allowing an out-of-bounds read during parsing of a malformed manifest entry.
Understanding CVE-2018-17983
What is CVE-2018-17983?
cext/manifest.c in Mercurial before 4.7.2 has an out-of-bounds read vulnerability when processing a malformed manifest entry.
The Impact of CVE-2018-17983
This vulnerability could be exploited to trigger an out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-17983
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Mercurial before version 4.7.2 allows an out-of-bounds read when handling malformed manifest entries.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Mercurial
- Versions affected: Before 4.7.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker crafting a specially designed manifest entry to trigger the out-of-bounds read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Mercurial to version 4.7.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor official sources for security advisories and patches.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software to the latest versions.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches and updates provided by Mercurial to address security issues.