CVE-2017-12920 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2017-12920, published on August 28, 2017, addresses a vulnerability in libfpx version 1.3.1_p6 that allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service through a crafted fpx image.

Understanding CVE-2017-12920

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the libfpx library that can be exploited remotely, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2017-12920?

The vulnerability in the GetDirEntry function within the file dir.cxx in libfpx version 1.3.1_p6 allows remote attackers to trigger a NULL pointer dereference by sending a specially crafted fpx image. This exploitation can result in a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12920

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, causing the affected system to crash or become unresponsive.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12920

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CDirectory::GetDirEntry in dir.cxx in libfpx 1.3.1_p6 enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service via a crafted fpx image.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Not applicable
Affected Versions: libfpx version 1.3.1_p6

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a specifically crafted fpx image, remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability to cause a NULL pointer dereference, resulting in a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline the steps to mitigate the CVE-2017-12920 vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of libfpx that addresses the vulnerability.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.