CVE-2019-19931 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in libIEC61850 version 1.4.0, specifically in the file MmsValue_decodeMmsData.

Understanding CVE-2019-19931

This CVE involves a critical security issue in the libIEC61850 library.

What is CVE-2019-19931?

The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in the MmsValue_decodeMmsData function within the mms/iso_mms/server/mms_access_result.c directory of libIEC61850 version 1.4.0.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19931

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19931

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

A heap-based buffer overflow exists in the MmsValue_decodeMmsData function of libIEC61850 version 1.4.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected version: 1.4.0 of libIEC61850
Other versions are not affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow, potentially leading to code execution or a system crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-19931, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of libIEC61850 that addresses the buffer overflow.
Implement proper input validation to prevent malicious inputs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software libraries and dependencies to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential security flaws.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for libIEC61850 and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks.