CVE-2019-11463 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-11463, a memory leak vulnerability in libarchive version 3.3.4-dev that allows denial of service attacks via specially crafted ZIP files. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this issue.
A memory leak in the function archive_read_format_zip_cleanup in libarchive version 3.3.4-dev may lead to a denial of service attack when processing specially crafted ZIP files due to a typo in the HAVE_LZMA_H variable. This vulnerability affects users who obtained the development code from GitHub.
Understanding CVE-2019-11463
This CVE involves a memory leak issue in libarchive version 3.3.4-dev that can be exploited by attackers to launch denial of service attacks.
What is CVE-2019-11463?
The vulnerability arises from a memory leak in the function archive_read_format_zip_cleanup in libarchive version 3.3.4-dev, allowing attackers to trigger a denial of service by using maliciously crafted ZIP files.
The Impact of CVE-2019-11463
The presence of the memory leak can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service on systems running the affected version of libarchive.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-11463
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is located in the archive_read_support_format_zip.c file of libarchive version 3.3.4-dev, enabling remote attackers to exploit a memory leak.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vulnerable Version: libarchive version 3.3.4-dev
- Affected Users: Those who acquired the development code from GitHub
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the memory leak by utilizing specially crafted ZIP files, taking advantage of the typo in the HAVE_LZMA_H variable.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-11463, users and organizations should take immediate and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Avoid processing ZIP files from untrusted or unknown sources
- Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate a denial of service attack
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update libarchive to the latest stable version
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory leaks and vulnerabilities
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by the official libarchive releases to fix the memory leak vulnerability