CVE-2017-12441 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-12441 affecting minidjvu 0.8 software. This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack by exploiting an invalid memory read operation triggered by a specially crafted djvu file.
CVE-2017-12441 was published on August 17, 2017, and affects the minidjvu 0.8 software. The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack when processing a specially crafted djvu file.
Understanding CVE-2017-12441
This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the minidjvu 0.8 software that can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2017-12441?
The vulnerability lies in the row_is_empty function within the base/4bitmap.c file of minidjvu 0.8. By manipulating a djvu file, an attacker can trigger an invalid memory read operation, leading to a crash of the application.
The Impact of CVE-2017-12441
The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack, causing the application to crash due to the invalid memory read operation triggered by a specially crafted djvu file.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-12441
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The row_is_empty function in base/4bitmap.c:274 in minidjvu 0.8 can be exploited to cause a denial of service through an invalid memory read operation when processing a malicious djvu file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: Not applicable
- Affected Versions: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is triggered by a specially crafted djvu file that exploits the row_is_empty function, leading to an invalid memory read operation and subsequent application crash.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-12441, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Implement file input validation to prevent the processing of malicious djvu files.
- Consider using alternative software until a patch is available.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software to the latest versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about patches or security updates released by the software vendor to address the vulnerability.