CVE-2019-19203 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-19203, a vulnerability in Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2 that allows a heap-based buffer over-read. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2 has a vulnerability that allows an over-read of the buffer in the heap due to improper pointer verification.
Understanding CVE-2019-19203
This CVE identifies a specific issue in Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2 that can lead to a heap-based buffer over-read.
What is CVE-2019-19203?
CVE-2019-19203 is a vulnerability found in the gb18030.c file of Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2. It occurs due to accessing a UChar pointer without verifying if it exceeds the string's length, resulting in a heap-based buffer over-read.
The Impact of CVE-2019-19203
The vulnerability can be exploited to read beyond the allocated memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or a denial of service (DoS) attack.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-19203
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2019-19203 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
In the gb18030.c file of Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2, the gb18030_mbc_enc_len function dereferences a UChar pointer without validating its position within the string, causing a heap-based buffer over-read.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Systems running Oniguruma version 6.x before 6.9.4_rc2
Exploitation Mechanism
- By manipulating the UChar pointer in the gb18030_mbc_enc_len function, attackers can trigger the over-read of the buffer in the heap.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19203 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Oniguruma to version 6.9.4_rc2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the issue.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address similar issues proactively.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Oniguruma to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.