CVE-2019-3817 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability known as use-after-free has been detected in libcomps prior to version 0.1.10 during the merging process of ObjMRTrees. If an attacker can manipulate an application into reading a specially crafted comps XML file, they might be able to cause the application to crash or carry out harmful actions by executing malicious code.

Understanding CVE-2019-3817

A use-after-free flaw has been discovered in libcomps before version 0.1.10 in the way ObjMRTrees are merged. An attacker, who is able to make an application read a crafted comps XML file, may be able to crash the application or execute malicious code.

What is CVE-2019-3817?

Type: Use-after-free vulnerability
Vendor: libcomps
Affected Version: 0.1.10
CWE ID: CWE-416

The Impact of CVE-2019-3817

CVSS Base Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3817

A use-after-free vulnerability in libcomps before version 0.1.10 allows attackers to crash applications or execute malicious code by manipulating crafted comps XML files.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises during the merging process of ObjMRTrees in libcomps, potentially leading to application crashes or unauthorized code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: libcomps
Affected Version: 0.1.10

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking applications into reading specially crafted comps XML files, triggering the use-after-free flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Update libcomps to version 0.1.10 or later
Avoid opening untrusted comps XML files

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries
Implement code reviews and security testing

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor