CVE-2019-11371 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

BWA (Burrow-Wheeler Aligner) version 0.7.17 r1198 is vulnerable to a Buffer Overflow issue due to mishandling of long prefixes in specific functions.

Understanding CVE-2019-11371

This CVE identifies a Buffer Overflow vulnerability in BWA version 0.7.17 r1198.

What is CVE-2019-11371?

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of long prefixes in certain functions within the btnseq.c file of BWA.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11371

The Buffer Overflow vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, leading to a denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11371

BWA version 0.7.17 r1198 is affected by a Buffer Overflow vulnerability due to mishandling of long prefixes.

Vulnerability Description

The issue occurs in the bns_fasta2bntseq and bns_dump functions within the btnseq.c file, allowing for a Buffer Overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: BWA
Vendor: N/A
Version: 0.7.17 r1198

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious input with an excessively long prefix, triggering the Buffer Overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-11371.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update BWA to a patched version that addresses the Buffer Overflow vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows and other common attack vectors.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running BWA are updated to a secure version that resolves the Buffer Overflow vulnerability.