CVE-2019-10269 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the details of CVE-2019-10269, a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in BWA (Burrow-Wheeler Aligner) before January 23, 2019, allowing potential code execution or denial of service.
BWA (Burrow-Wheeler Aligner) before January 23, 2019, was affected by a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the bns_restore function, triggered by long sequence names in .alt files.
Understanding CVE-2019-10269
This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in the BWA software.
What is CVE-2019-10269?
The CVE-2019-10269 vulnerability in BWA, also known as Burrow-Wheeler Aligner, stemmed from a buffer overflow issue related to a stack-based method. The vulnerability was present in the bns_restore function within the bntseq.c file and was exploited by excessively long sequence names in .alt files.
The Impact of CVE-2019-10269
The buffer overflow vulnerability in BWA could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-10269
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2019-10269 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability was a stack-based buffer overflow in the bns_restore function within the bntseq.c file of BWA, triggered by long sequence names in .alt files.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: BWA
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions: All versions before January 23, 2019
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by crafting .alt files with excessively long sequence names, causing a buffer overflow in the bns_restore function.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-10269 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update BWA to a patched version released after January 23, 2019.
- Monitor for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that BWA is updated to a version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-10269.