CVE-2019-17544 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stack-based buffer over-read vulnerability was discovered in libaspell.a in GNU Aspell prior to version 0.60.8. This vulnerability can be triggered by an isolated backslash () character.

Understanding CVE-2019-17544

This CVE refers to a specific vulnerability found in GNU Aspell before version 0.60.8.

What is CVE-2019-17544?

CVE-2019-17544 is a stack-based buffer over-read vulnerability in libaspell.a in GNU Aspell before version 0.60.8. The vulnerability is located in the function acommon::unescape in the file common/getdata.cpp and can be exploited by an isolated backslash () character.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17544

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by triggering the buffer over-read.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17544

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in libaspell.a in GNU Aspell before version 0.60.8 due to a stack-based buffer over-read in acommon::unescape in common/getdata.cpp triggered by an isolated backslash () character.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GNU Aspell
Vendor: GNU
Versions affected: All versions before 0.60.8

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker sending a specially crafted input containing an isolated backslash character.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-17544 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GNU Aspell to version 0.60.8 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer over-read vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by GNU for Aspell to address the vulnerability.