CVE-2018-20196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-20196 was published on December 18, 2018, and is related to a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Freeware Advanced Audio Decoder 2 (FAAD2) version 2.8.8. This vulnerability could lead to denial of service or other undefined consequences when handling the S_M array.

Understanding CVE-2018-20196

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2018-20196.

What is CVE-2018-20196?

The calculate_gain function in libfaad/sbr_hfadj.c within FAAD2 version 2.8.8 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious input, potentially causing denial of service or other adverse effects due to mishandling of the S_M array.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20196

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-20196 could have severe consequences, including denial of service attacks or other unpredictable outcomes due to the mishandling of the S_M array.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20196

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2018-20196 to understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The stack-based buffer overflow in the calculate_gain function in libfaad/sbr_hfadj.c within FAAD2 version 2.8.8 allows for exploitation through crafted input, potentially resulting in denial of service or other unspecified impacts due to mishandling of the S_M array.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 2.8.8 (affected)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by providing malicious input to the calculate_gain function, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow and subsequent denial of service or other adverse effects.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-20196.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious input.
Monitor and restrict network traffic to detect and block potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Educate developers and users about secure coding practices and the importance of cybersecurity.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to FAAD2 and similar software.

Patching and Updates

Stay updated with security advisories from FAAD2 and apply patches as soon as they are released to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.