CVE-2018-18820 : What You Need to Know

Icecast version prior to 2.4.4 is vulnerable to a buffer overflow in its URL-authentication backend, potentially leading to denial of service and remote code execution.

Understanding CVE-2018-18820

Icecast version prior to 2.4.4 contains a critical vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely.

What is CVE-2018-18820?

A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the URL-authentication backend of Icecast versions before 2.4.4. Attackers can craft a malicious HTTP request header to exploit this flaw, resulting in denial of service and potential remote code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18820

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service on affected systems.
Successful exploitation may lead to the execution of arbitrary code remotely.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18820

Icecast version prior to 2.4.4 is susceptible to a critical buffer overflow vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the URL-authentication backend of Icecast versions before 2.4.4. When active, attackers can send a specially crafted header in an HTTP request, potentially leading to denial of service and remote code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Icecast
Vendor: N/A
Versions: All versions before 2.4.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specifically crafted header within an HTTP request for a particular resource, triggering the buffer overflow and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2018-18820.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Icecast to version 2.4.4 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
Disable the URL-authentication backend if not required to reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update Icecast promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Icecast to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.