Critical Denial of Service Vulnerability in libX11: CVE-2018-14598
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-14598: An issue was discovered in XListExtensions in ListExt.c in libX11 through 1.6.5. Affects libx11 versions < 1.6.6-r0. Fixed in 1.6.6-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
libX11 is a core library for the X Window System, providing the essential interface for communication between client applications and the X server. It facilitates graphical user interface operations on Unix-like operating systems. The library is widely used in various desktop environments and applications, making its security paramount. This vulnerability affects versions of libX11 up to 1.6.5, allowing malicious servers to exploit the library's handling of extension lists.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in the XListExtensions function within ListExt.c in libX11 versions up to 1.6.5. A malicious server can send a crafted reply that causes a buffer overflow, leading to a NULL variable being freed later, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS) through a segmentation fault. This vulnerability can disrupt services relying on libX11, potentially affecting multiple applications and users.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.6.6-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade libx11Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, consider restricting access to the X server to trusted clients only, thereby minimizing the risk of exploitation until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2018-14598 represents a significant vulnerability in the libX11 library, which can lead to Denial of Service attacks. It is crucial for users and administrators to update to the patched version to mitigate risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for libx11 →
FAQ
CVE-2018-14598 is a vulnerability in libX11 that allows a malicious server to cause a Denial of Service by exploiting the handling of extension lists.
You can use Vulert to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file at Vulert Scanner.
The CVSS score for CVE-2018-14598 is 7.5, indicating a high severity level.
If an immediate update is not possible, restrict access to the X server to trusted clients as a temporary workaround.
You can visit Vulert's website to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software without needing to access the code.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libx11.
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