CVE-2019-20914 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2019-20914, a vulnerability in GNU LibreDWG up to version 0.9.3 leading to a NULL pointer dereference. Learn about affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability was found in GNU LibreDWG up to version 0.9.3. The function dwg_encode_common_entity_handle_data in the file common_entity_handle_data.spec could lead to a NULL pointer dereference.
Understanding CVE-2019-20914
An issue was discovered in GNU LibreDWG through 0.9.3. There is a NULL pointer dereference in the function dwg_encode_common_entity_handle_data in common_entity_handle_data.spec.
What is CVE-2019-20914?
CVE-2019-20914 is a vulnerability in GNU LibreDWG up to version 0.9.3 that can result in a NULL pointer dereference, posing a risk to the integrity and availability of the affected systems.
The Impact of CVE-2019-20914
The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by crashing the application or potentially executing arbitrary code.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-20914
GNU LibreDWG up to version 0.9.3 is susceptible to a NULL pointer dereference due to a flaw in the dwg_encode_common_entity_handle_data function.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of data in the common_entity_handle_data.spec file, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Version: up to 0.9.3
- Systems using GNU LibreDWG up to version 0.9.3 are vulnerable to this issue.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious input that triggers the NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to a DoS condition or arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-20914.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GNU LibreDWG to a patched version that addresses the NULL pointer dereference issue.
- Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement proper input validation mechanisms to mitigate the risk of similar issues in the future.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates released by GNU LibreDWG and promptly apply patches to secure the system against known vulnerabilities.