Critical Buffer Overrun Vulnerability in Curl Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-16839: Curl versions 7.33.0 through 7.61.1 are vulnerable to a buffer overrun in the SASL authentication code that may lead to denial of service. Affects curl versions < 7.62.0-r0. Fixed in 7.62.0-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Curl is a widely used command-line tool and library for transferring data with URLs. It supports various protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more. Curl is known for its versatility and is often utilized in web development, data transfer, and API interactions. However, certain versions of Curl are vulnerable to a buffer overrun issue in the SASL authentication code, which can lead to severe security implications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2018-16839, affects Curl versions 7.33.0 through 7.61.1. It originates from a flaw in the SASL authentication code, which may allow an attacker to exploit the buffer overrun, potentially leading to a denial of service. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity. If exploited, it could allow unauthorized access or cause the application to crash, impacting the availability of services relying on Curl.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
7.62.0-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade curlTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can disable SASL authentication in Curl if it is not required for their operations. This can be done by modifying the Curl configuration to avoid using SASL features until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The buffer overrun vulnerability in Curl poses a significant risk to applications using affected versions. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version to mitigate potential security threats. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for curl →
FAQ
CVE-2018-16839 is a critical vulnerability in Curl that allows for a buffer overrun in the SASL authentication code, potentially leading to denial of service.
Curl versions 7.33.0 through 7.61.1 are vulnerable to this issue.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider disabling SASL authentication in your Curl configuration as a temporary workaround.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, service crashes, and overall disruption of applications relying on Curl for data transfer.
References
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