CVE-2020-18781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2020-18781 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in FilePOSIX::read in File.cpp in audiofile 0.3.6. This vulnerability may lead to denial-of-service via a crafted wav file, triggered by the executable sfconvert.

Understanding CVE-2020-18781

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2020-18781.

What is CVE-2020-18781?

CVE-2020-18781 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the audiofile 0.3.6 software. It can be exploited through a specially crafted wav file, potentially leading to denial-of-service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-18781

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to crash the application or potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-18781

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2020-18781 to understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the FilePOSIX::read function in File.cpp within audiofile 0.3.6, allowing a heap buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions Affected: All versions are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing a specially crafted wav file in conjunction with the sfconvert executable.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-18781.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the execution of sfconvert or restrict its usage to trusted sources.
Implement network-level controls to filter out potentially malicious wav files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the audiofile software to the latest patched version.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the software vendor to remediate the vulnerability and enhance system security.