CVE-2020-36403 : Security Advisory and Response

HTSlib through 1.10.2 allows out-of-bounds write access in vcf_parse_format (called from vcf_parse and vcf_read).

Understanding CVE-2020-36403

HTSlib vulnerability allowing out-of-bounds write access.

What is CVE-2020-36403?

CVE-2020-36403 is a vulnerability in HTSlib versions up to 1.10.2 that enables out-of-bounds write access in the vcf_parse_format function, which is called from vcf_parse and vcf_read.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36403

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to write beyond the bounds of allocated memory, potentially leading to crashes, code execution, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36403

HTSlib vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in HTSlib allows unauthorized write access beyond the allocated memory space in specific functions, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Up to 1.10.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious inputs to trigger the out-of-bounds write access, potentially gaining unauthorized control over the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36403.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update HTSlib to a patched version that addresses the out-of-bounds write vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent malformed inputs from triggering security issues.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by HTSlib to mitigate the CVE-2020-36403 vulnerability.