CVE-2020-18898 : Security Advisory and Response

Exiv2 0.27's printIFDStructure function is vulnerable to a stack exhaustion issue, allowing remote attackers to trigger a denial of service (DOS) attack by exploiting a specially crafted file.

Understanding CVE-2020-18898

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Exiv2 0.27 that can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-18898?

The CVE-2020-18898 vulnerability is a stack exhaustion issue in the printIFDStructure function of Exiv2 0.27, enabling remote attackers to launch a DOS attack through a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-18898

The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (DOS) condition, potentially disrupting the availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-18898

Exiv2 0.27's vulnerability is further detailed below:

Vulnerability Description

Type: Stack exhaustion issue
Function: printIFDStructure
Version: 0.27
Attack Vector: Remote
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: None

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Exiv2
Affected Version: 0.27

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers through a specially crafted file to exhaust the stack, leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-18898, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches or updates promptly.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms.
Monitor and restrict network access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users on safe file handling practices to prevent exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Exiv2 to remediate the vulnerability.