CVE-2018-20458 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2018-20458 was made public on December 25, 2018, and affects radare2 versions prior to 3.1.1. The vulnerability lies in the r_bin_dyldcache_extract function in libr/bin/format/mach0/dyldcache.c, potentially leading to a denial-of-service attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-20458

This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in radare2 that could be exploited to cause a denial-of-service by triggering an application crash through an out-of-bounds read.

What is CVE-2018-20458?

Before version 3.1.1 of radare2, a flaw in the r_bin_dyldcache_extract function in libr/bin/format/mach0/dyldcache.c allows attackers to crash applications by manipulating input files.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20458

The vulnerability can be abused by threat actors to induce a denial-of-service condition, specifically by causing an application crash due to an out-of-bounds read.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20458

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in radare2's r_bin_dyldcache_extract function can be exploited to trigger a denial-of-service attack, resulting in an application crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions prior to 3.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by carefully crafting input files to trigger an out-of-bounds read, leading to a denial-of-service scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20458 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update radare2 to version 3.1.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual application crashes that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Regularly update and patch software to address known security issues.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from radare2.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of patches and updates released by radare2 to address CVE-2018-20458.