CVE-2018-5786 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-5786, published on January 19, 2018, addresses a vulnerability in version 0.631 of Long Range Zip (lrzip) that can lead to an infinite loop and application freeze, potentially resulting in a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-5786

What is CVE-2018-5786?

In Long Range Zip (lrzip) version 0.631, a flaw exists in the get_fileinfo function (lrzip.c) that allows remote attackers to trigger an infinite loop, causing the application to hang. By exploiting this vulnerability with a specially crafted lrz file, attackers can launch a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5786

This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to create a denial of service condition on systems running the affected lrzip version.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5786

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Long Range Zip (lrzip) version 0.631 allows for an infinite loop and application freeze in the get_fileinfo function (lrzip.c), enabling remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack using a malicious lrz file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 0.631

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by crafting a malicious lrz file to trigger an infinite loop in the get_fileinfo function, leading to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update lrzip to a non-vulnerable version if available.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe computing practices to prevent exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to lrzip.
Apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.