CVE-2018-7436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-7436, a vulnerability in FreeXL versions older than 1.0.5 allowing a heap-based buffer over-read. Find out how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
A vulnerability was found in FreeXL versions older than 1.0.5 that allows for a heap-based buffer over-read when a pointer is dereferenced in the parse_SST function.
Understanding CVE-2018-7436
What is CVE-2018-7436?
CVE-2018-7436 is a vulnerability in FreeXL versions prior to 1.0.5 that enables a heap-based buffer over-read during pointer dereferencing.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7436
This vulnerability could be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7436
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from a heap-based buffer over-read in the parse_SST function of FreeXL versions older than 1.0.5.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: FreeXL
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions affected: Older than 1.0.5
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability occurs when a pointer is improperly dereferenced in the parse_SST function, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update FreeXL to version 1.0.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor vendor advisories for patches and security updates.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer over-read vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly to address security issues and protect systems.