CVE-2018-20376 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-20376, a vulnerability in Tiny C Compiler version 0.9.27 allowing attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds write. Learn how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
Tiny C Compiler (TinyCC or TCC) version 0.9.27 is susceptible to an out-of-bounds write vulnerability when compiling specially crafted source files.
Understanding CVE-2018-20376
What is CVE-2018-20376?
An issue in Tiny C Compiler version 0.9.27 allows attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds write of 8 bytes in the asm_parse_directive function in tccasm.c.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20376
This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20376
Vulnerability Description
When compiling a specific source file, an out-of-bounds write of 8 bytes occurs in the asm_parse_directive function in tccasm.c.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Tiny C Compiler (TinyCC or TCC)
- Version: 0.9.27
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is triggered during the compilation of a specially crafted source file.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Tiny C Compiler to a patched version.
- Avoid compiling untrusted or unknown source files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches.
- Implement code review processes to catch vulnerabilities early.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the Tiny C Compiler is regularly updated to the latest secure version.