CVE-2018-6217 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A denial of service vulnerability can be exploited in Kingsoft WPS Office 10.1.0.7106 and 10.2.0.5978 through the WStr::_alloc_iostr_data() function in kso.dll by using specially crafted web pages, office documents, or .rtf files.

Understanding CVE-2018-6217

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in Kingsoft WPS Office that allows remote attackers to crash the application, leading to a denial of service.

What is CVE-2018-6217?

The vulnerability in Kingsoft WPS Office 10.1.0.7106 and 10.2.0.5978 enables attackers to exploit the WStr::_alloc_iostr_data() function in kso.dll, causing a denial of service by sending malicious web pages, office documents, or .rtf files.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6217

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in the application crashing, disrupting normal operations and potentially causing data loss or system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6217

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The WStr::_alloc_iostr_data() function in kso.dll in Kingsoft WPS Office 10.1.0.7106 and 10.2.0.5978 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) through specially crafted web pages, office documents, or .rtf files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Kingsoft WPS Office 10.1.0.7106
Kingsoft WPS Office 10.2.0.5978

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious web pages, office documents, or .rtf files to the target system, triggering the crash of the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-6217 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Kingsoft to address the vulnerability promptly.
Avoid opening suspicious web pages or documents from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with opening unknown files.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious traffic.
Consider using security tools like antivirus software and intrusion detection systems.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Kingsoft WPS Office is kept up to date with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.