CVE-2019-14541 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the cb_encode_program_id function when processing specially crafted COBOL source code.

Understanding CVE-2019-14541

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in GnuCOBOL 2.2 that could be exploited through specially crafted COBOL source code.

What is CVE-2019-14541?

The cb_encode_program_id function in cobc/typeck.c of GnuCOBOL 2.2 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow when processing specific COBOL code.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14541

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application by exploiting the buffer overflow in GnuCOBOL 2.2.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14541

GnuCOBOL 2.2 is affected by a stack-based buffer overflow in the cb_encode_program_id function.

Vulnerability Description

The cb_encode_program_id function in cobc/typeck.c of GnuCOBOL 2.2 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when processing specially crafted COBOL source code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GnuCOBOL 2.2
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by providing specially crafted COBOL source code to trigger the stack-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-14541.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GnuCOBOL to a patched version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability.
Avoid running untrusted or unknown COBOL source code on systems running GnuCOBOL.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for GnuCOBOL.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities in software development.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that GnuCOBOL is regularly updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of buffer overflow vulnerabilities.