CVE-2018-11793 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-11793 affecting Apache Mesos versions pre-1.4.x through 1.7.0. Understand the stack overflow vulnerability and its potential for denial of service attacks. Find mitigation steps and best practices for enhanced security.
Apache Mesos versions prior to 1.4.x through 1.7.0 are vulnerable to a stack overflow issue when parsing deeply nested JSON structures, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.
Understanding CVE-2018-11793
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the parser of Apache Mesos, impacting versions pre-1.4.x, 1.4.0 to 1.4.2, 1.5.0 to 1.5.1, 1.6.0 to 1.6.1, and 1.7.0.
What is CVE-2018-11793?
The vulnerability in Apache Mesos versions pre-1.4.x through 1.7.0 allows for a stack overflow during the parsing of deeply nested JSON structures, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.
The Impact of CVE-2018-11793
Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial of service, rendering the Mesos-controlled cluster unusable.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-11793
The technical aspects of the CVE-2018-11793 vulnerability are as follows:
Vulnerability Description
The parser in Apache Mesos versions prior to 1.4.x through 1.7.0 is susceptible to a stack overflow when processing deeply nested JSON structures.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Apache Mesos
- Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
- Versions: pre-1.4.x, 1.4.0 to 1.4.2, 1.5.0 to 1.5.1, 1.6.0 to 1.6.1, 1.7.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The unbounded recursion in the parser can be exploited by a malicious actor to trigger a denial of service attack on Mesos masters, making the cluster inoperable.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-11793, consider the following mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Apache Mesos to a patched version that addresses the stack overflow vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict JSON payload depth to prevent excessive recursion.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Apache Mesos to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches and updates provided by Apache Software Foundation to ensure the latest fixes are in place.