CVE-2018-3846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-3846 affecting NASA CFITSIO 3.42. Understand the impact, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps to prevent arbitrary code execution.
NASA CFITSIO version 3.42 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by delivering a manipulated FIT image.
Understanding CVE-2018-3846
NASA CFITSIO 3.42 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow, posing a high-risk threat with a CVSS base score of 8.8.
What is CVE-2018-3846?
The functions ffgphd and ffgtkn in NASA CFITSIO 3.42 can be exploited through manipulated images, leading to arbitrary data overwrite and potential code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2018-3846
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: Required
- Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High
Technical Details of CVE-2018-3846
NASA CFITSIO 3.42 vulnerability details and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in ffgphd and ffgtkn functions allows a stack-based buffer overflow, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code by delivering a manipulated FIT image.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: NASA CFITSIO
- Vendor: Talos
- Affected Version: NASA CFITSIO 3.42
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by delivering a specially crafted FIT image, triggering the stack-based buffer overflow and potentially achieving code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2018-3846 with immediate and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update NASA CFITSIO to a patched version.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor and analyze network traffic for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Educate users on safe computing practices and awareness of social engineering tactics.
- Keep software and systems up to date with the latest security patches.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches provided by Talos for NASA CFITSIO to address the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability.