CVE-2020-10809 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in HDF5 through version 1.12.0 (CVE-2020-10809). Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
An issue was discovered in HDF5 through 1.12.0, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow in the Decompress() function in decompress.c. This vulnerability can be exploited by sending a crafted file to the gif2h5 binary, potentially resulting in a Denial of Service attack.
Understanding CVE-2020-10809
This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the HDF5 library.
What is CVE-2020-10809?
The CVE-2020-10809 vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Decompress() function of HDF5 through version 1.12.0. It can be triggered by a specially crafted file sent to the gif2h5 binary, enabling an attacker to cause a Denial of Service.
The Impact of CVE-2020-10809
The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to a Denial of Service attack on systems utilizing the affected versions of HDF5.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-10809
This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
A heap-based buffer overflow exists in the Decompress() function located in decompress.c within HDF5 through version 1.12.0. This overflow can be exploited by sending a crafted file to the gif2h5 binary.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: All versions through 1.12.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specifically crafted file to the gif2h5 binary, triggering the heap-based buffer overflow and potentially causing a Denial of Service.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-10809, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches or updates provided by the HDF5 project.
- Avoid opening untrusted or suspicious files with the gif2h5 binary.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious file transfers.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that you regularly check for updates and patches released by the HDF5 project to address the CVE-2020-10809 vulnerability.