CVE-2018-20712 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2018-20712, a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in GNU libiberty, allowing attackers to crash applications and cause denial-of-service. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in GNU libiberty, included in GNU Binutils 2.31.1, can lead to denial-of-service attacks by crashing the application with specially crafted input.
Understanding CVE-2018-20712
This CVE involves a specific function in GNU libiberty that is susceptible to a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.
What is CVE-2018-20712?
The function d_expression_1 in cp-demangle.c in GNU libiberty, part of GNU Binutils 2.31.1, is affected by a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability. This flaw enables attackers to crash the application and trigger denial-of-service by providing malicious input. The vulnerability has been demonstrated in c++filt.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20712
The vulnerability allows attackers to crash applications and cause denial-of-service by exploiting the heap-based buffer over-read issue in GNU libiberty.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20712
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the function d_expression_1 in cp-demangle.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.31.1. Crafted input can lead to segmentation faults, resulting in denial-of-service, as demonstrated by c++filt.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Version: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by providing specially crafted input to the affected function, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read and subsequent denial-of-service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20712 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor security advisories for any new information or patches related to this CVE.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer over-read vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the affected GNU Binutils version 2.31.1 is updated with the latest patches to address the heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.