CVE-2018-18956 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-18956, a vulnerability in Suricata versions 4.x before 4.0.6 that allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation method, and mitigation steps.
Suricata version 4.x prior to 4.0.6 is vulnerable to a remote attack that can lead to a denial of service. Attackers can exploit the ProcessMimeEntity function in util-decode-mime.c by providing specially crafted input to the SMTP parser, causing a daemon crash.
Understanding CVE-2018-18956
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in Suricata versions 4.x before 4.0.6 that could be exploited by remote attackers, resulting in a denial of service.
What is CVE-2018-18956?
The ProcessMimeEntity function in util-decode-mime.c in Suricata versions 4.x before 4.0.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service by providing crafted input to the SMTP parser. This vulnerability was observed being exploited in the wild in November 2018.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18956
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, causing a segfault and subsequent crash of the daemon, impacting the availability and stability of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18956
Suricata version 4.x before 4.0.6 is susceptible to a specific exploitation method that can result in a denial of service.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the ProcessMimeEntity function in util-decode-mime.c, allowing remote attackers to trigger a denial of service by manipulating input to the SMTP parser.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Suricata
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions affected: 4.x prior to 4.0.6
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted input to the SMTP parser, leading to a denial of service, segfault, and subsequent crash of the daemon.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-18956.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Suricata to version 4.0.6 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an ongoing attack.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Suricata and other software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Suricata promptly to ensure the security of the system.