CVE-2019-16941 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NSA Ghidra through version 9.0.4, when experimental mode is enabled, has a vulnerability that allows arbitrary code execution when using the Read XML Files feature of Bit Patterns Explorer with a modified XML document.

Understanding CVE-2019-16941

This CVE involves a security issue in NSA Ghidra that can lead to arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2019-16941?

When the experimental mode is enabled in NSA Ghidra up to version 9.0.4, a vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution when utilizing the Read XML Files feature of Bit Patterns Explorer with a modified XML document.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16941

The vulnerability in NSA Ghidra can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code by manipulating an XML document.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16941

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the FileBitPatternInfoReader.java file within the Features/BytePatterns/src/main/java/ghidra/bitpatterns/info/ directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NSA Ghidra
Version: Up to 9.0.4

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker can modify an XML document generated by DumpFunctionPatternInfoScript to include a java.lang.Runtime.exec call.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16941 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the experimental mode in NSA Ghidra if not required.
Avoid using the Read XML Files feature with untrusted or modified XML documents.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update NSA Ghidra to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious XML document exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by NSA Ghidra.