CVE-2017-12941 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

UnRAR software prior to version 5.5.7 is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds read flaw in the Unpack20 function of libunrar.a.

Understanding CVE-2017-12941

What is CVE-2017-12941?

The vulnerability in UnRAR software allows an attacker to read outside designated memory boundaries, leading to a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12941

The vulnerability could be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12941

Vulnerability Description

The Unpack20 function in libunrar.a within UnRAR software before version 5.5.7 allows an out-of-bounds read, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: UnRAR
Vendor: UnRAR
Versions Affected: All versions before 5.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw enables attackers to read beyond the intended memory limits, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update UnRAR software to version 5.5.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor vendor advisories for patches and security updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor to address the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in UnRAR software.