CVE-2019-14486 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a vulnerability that can lead to a buffer overflow when processing specially crafted COBOL source code.

Understanding CVE-2019-14486

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in GnuCOBOL 2.2.

What is CVE-2019-14486?

The presence of specially crafted COBOL source code can trigger a buffer overflow in cb_evaluate_expr within cobc/field.c in GnuCOBOL 2.2.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14486

This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, leading to a denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14486

GnuCOBOL 2.2 is susceptible to a buffer overflow vulnerability due to improper input validation.

Vulnerability Description

The buffer overflow occurs in cb_evaluate_expr within cobc/field.c when processing specially crafted COBOL source code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GnuCOBOL 2.2
Version: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious input in the form of specially crafted COBOL source code, triggering the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-14486.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches or updates provided by the GnuCOBOL project to address this vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent the execution of malicious code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from GnuCOBOL and apply patches promptly to secure your systems.