CVE-2018-18483 : Security Advisory and Response
CVE-2018-18483 allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service in GNU Binutils 2.31. Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
The get_count function in the cplus-dem.c file within the GNU libiberty library, as included in the GNU Binutils version 2.31, is vulnerable to a remote attack that could result in a denial of service. This vulnerability occurs when the malloc function is called with the outcome of an integer calculation that overflows. The attack can be executed through a manipulated string, as exemplified by the c++filt program. The impact of this attack may also have other unspecified consequences.
Understanding CVE-2018-18483
What is CVE-2018-18483?
CVE-2018-18483 is a vulnerability in the get_count function in the GNU libiberty library, affecting GNU Binutils version 2.31. It allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service or potentially cause other unspecified impacts by exploiting an integer-overflowing calculation.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18483
The vulnerability in CVE-2018-18483 can lead to a denial of service condition when the malloc function is manipulated with an integer calculation that overflows. Attackers can exploit this issue through a crafted string, such as in the c++filt program, potentially resulting in other unknown consequences.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18483
Vulnerability Description
The get_count function in cplus-dem.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.31, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (malloc called with the result of an integer-overflowing calculation) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted string, as demonstrated by c++filt.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: N/A
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the malloc function with an integer calculation that overflows, typically through a crafted string like the one used in the c++filt program.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the software vendor to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor security advisories for updates and apply them promptly.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent integer overflow vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
It is crucial to apply the latest patches and updates released by the software vendor to mitigate the CVE-2018-18483 vulnerability.