CVE-2019-9152 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability has been found in version 1.10.4 of the HDF HDF5 library, leading to an out-of-bounds read.

Understanding CVE-2019-9152

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the HDF HDF5 library version 1.10.4.

What is CVE-2019-9152?

CVE-2019-9152 is a vulnerability in the HDF HDF5 library version 1.10.4, specifically in the function H5MM_xstrdup in H5MM.c when accessed from H5O_dtype_decode_helper in H5Odtype.c. This flaw can result in an out-of-bounds read.

The Impact of CVE-2019-9152

The vulnerability can potentially be exploited by attackers to read sensitive information or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-9152

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the function H5MM_xstrdup in H5MM.c when called from H5O_dtype_decode_helper in H5Odtype.c, allowing for an out-of-bounds read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: 1.10.4 of the HDF HDF5 library
Other versions may also be impacted, so it is crucial to check for updates.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering the out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to unauthorized access or service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-9152 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the HDF HDF5 library to a patched version if available.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the HDF HDF5 library and apply patches promptly to address vulnerabilities.