CVE-2018-11536 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

md4c before version 0.2.5 is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow due to incorrect handling of splits by the md_split_simple_pairing_mark function.

Understanding CVE-2018-11536

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in md4c versions prior to 0.2.5 that can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2018-11536?

CVE-2018-11536 is a vulnerability in md4c before version 0.2.5 that arises from improper handling of splits by the md_split_simple_pairing_mark function, potentially allowing attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11536

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on systems running affected versions of md4c.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11536

CVE-2018-11536 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a result of incorrect handling of splits by the md_split_simple_pairing_mark function in md4c versions prior to 0.2.5, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions prior to 0.2.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious inputs that trigger the incorrect handling of splits, potentially leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11536, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update md4c to version 0.2.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflows and other common vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to md4c and promptly apply patches released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities.