CVE-2017-5979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2017-5979, a denial of service vulnerability in zziplib 0.13.62 that allows remote attackers to crash systems by exploiting a NULL pointer dereference in the prescan_entry function of fseeko.c.
A denial of service vulnerability in zziplib 0.13.62 allows remote attackers to exploit the prescan_entry function in fseeko.c, leading to a crash due to a NULL pointer dereference.
Understanding CVE-2017-5979
This CVE involves a vulnerability in zziplib 0.13.62 that can be triggered by sending a specially crafted ZIP file.
What is CVE-2017-5979?
The prescan_entry function in fseeko.c in zziplib 0.13.62 is susceptible to a denial of service attack caused by a NULL pointer dereference when processing a malicious ZIP file.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5979
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to crash the system by exploiting the prescan_entry function in zziplib 0.13.62 through a crafted ZIP file.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5979
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The prescan_entry function in fseeko.c in zziplib 0.13.62 can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service through a NULL pointer dereference when handling a specially crafted ZIP file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: zziplib 0.13.62
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is triggered by sending a specifically crafted ZIP file to the prescan_entry function in fseeko.c, resulting in a crash due to a NULL pointer dereference.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5979 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious ZIP files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from relevant vendors.
- Monitor for any new developments or patches related to zziplib to ensure ongoing protection.