CVE-2017-7483 : Security Advisory and Response

Rxvt version 2.7.10 is vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to an integer overflow issue.

Understanding CVE-2017-7483

Rxvt version 2.7.10 is susceptible to a denial of service attack caused by an integer overflow vulnerability.

What is CVE-2017-7483?

The vulnerability in Rxvt version 2.7.10 allows for a denial of service attack triggered by a specific terminal escape code value.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7483

The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition by causing a segfault due to an out-of-bounds read operation.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7483

Rxvt version 2.7.10 is affected by an integer overflow vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The inclusion of the value -2^31 in a terminal escape code leads to a non-invertible integer, triggering a segfault.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Rxvt
Vendor: The RXVT Project
Version: 2.7.10

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by crafting a malicious terminal escape code with the specific value -2^31.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-7483.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Rxvt to a patched version or apply the necessary security updates.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent integer overflow vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Rxvt is regularly updated to the latest secure version to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.