CVE-2018-7456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-7456 affecting LibTIFF versions 3.9.3 to 4.0.9. This vulnerability allows for a NULL Pointer Dereference, potentially leading to DoS or code execution.
CVE-2018-7456 was published on February 24, 2018, and affects the LibTIFF library versions 3.9.3 to 4.0.9. The vulnerability lies in the TIFFPrintDirectory function, leading to a NULL Pointer Dereference when processing crafted TIFF information.
Understanding CVE-2018-7456
This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the LibTIFF library that can be exploited using the tiffinfo tool to print maliciously crafted data in a TIFF file.
What is CVE-2018-7456?
The vulnerability in the TIFFPrintDirectory function of LibTIFF versions 3.9.3 to 4.0.9 allows for a NULL Pointer Dereference, triggered by processing specially crafted data with the tiffinfo tool.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7456
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition or potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, compromising its integrity and confidentiality.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7456
The technical aspects of this CVE include:
Vulnerability Description
A NULL Pointer Dereference occurs in the TIFFPrintDirectory function in LibTIFF versions 3.9.3 to 4.0.9 when processing crafted TIFF information, distinct from CVE-2017-18013.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Versions affected: 3.9.3, 3.9.4, 3.9.5, 3.9.6, 3.9.7, 4.0.0alpha4 to 4.0.0alpha6, 4.0.0beta7, 4.0.0 to 4.0.9
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing the tiffinfo tool to print specifically manipulated data in a TIFF file.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-7456, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update LibTIFF to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
- Avoid processing untrusted TIFF files with the tiffinfo tool.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent malformed data exploitation.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by LibTIFF to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.