CVE-2023-50246 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability has been identified in jq, a command-line JSON processor, specifically in the function

decToString

in

decNumber.c

.

Understanding CVE-2023-50246

This CVE pertains to a critical vulnerability in jq version 1.7, potentially allowing attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2023-50246?

CVE-2023-50246 refers to a specific vulnerability in jq version 1.7 that can be exploited to execute malicious code or crash the application.

The Impact of CVE-2023-50246

The vulnerability allows attackers to corrupt memory, leading to a potential denial of service (DoS) or arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-50246

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow).

Vulnerability Description

The issue resides in the

decToString

function within

decNumber.c

, allowing for unchecked input leading to buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: jqlang
Product: jq
Vulnerable Version: 1.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious JSON input to trigger the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to secure systems and prevent potential exploitation of CVE-2023-50246.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to jq version 1.7.1 that contains the patch for this specific vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to address critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-50246.