CVE-2019-12083 : Security Advisory and Response

The Standard Library of the Rust Programming Language version 1.34.x before 1.34.2 contains a method that, if overridden, can breach Rust's safety guarantees, leading to memory unsafety.

Understanding CVE-2019-12083

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Rust Programming Language Standard Library that can potentially expose memory safety vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2019-12083?

The issue arises from a stabilized method in the Rust Standard Library that, if overridden, can compromise Rust's safety assurances, resulting in memory unsafety. Specifically, overriding the

Error::type_id

method enables the safe casting of any type to another, potentially leading to memory safety vulnerabilities in code considered safe.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12083

The vulnerability can allow for memory safety violations, such as out-of-bounds write or read, in code that manually implements the

Error::type_id

method. However, code that does not implement this method is not affected.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12083

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The Rust Programming Language Standard Library 1.34.x before 1.34.2 contains a stabilized method that, if overridden, can violate Rust's safety guarantees and cause memory unsafety. Overriding the

Error::type_id

method allows for unsafe type casting, potentially leading to memory safety vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: 1.34.x before 1.34.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by overriding the

Error::type_id

method, enabling the safe casting of any type to another, which can result in memory safety vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-12083 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Rust Programming Language version 1.34.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid manually implementing the

Error::type_id

method.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Rust and its dependencies to the latest versions.
Follow secure coding practices to minimize the risk of memory safety vulnerabilities.
Monitor security advisories and patches from Rust.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.
Consider using static analysis tools to detect and prevent memory safety issues.
Implement code reviews to catch unsafe coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of patches and updates provided by Rust to address known vulnerabilities.