Critical Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in libX11: CVE-2018-14600
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-14600: An issue was discovered 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 essential functions for creating and managing windows, handling user input, and rendering graphics. It serves as a fundamental component for many graphical applications on Unix-like operating systems. The library's extensive use makes it a critical target for vulnerabilities, as any exploit can potentially affect a wide range of applications relying on it.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in libX11 through version 1.6.5, where the function XListExtensions in ListExt.c incorrectly interprets a variable as signed instead of unsigned. This flaw can lead to an out-of-bounds write of up to 128 bytes, potentially resulting in a denial of service (DoS) or remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data types, which can be exploited by attackers to manipulate memory and execute arbitrary code.
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
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider restricting access to applications that utilize libX11 or running them in a controlled environment to mitigate potential exploitation until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14600 in libX11 poses a significant risk due to its potential for remote code execution. It is crucial to update to the patched version 1.6.6-r0 or later to mitigate this risk. Users should also consider workarounds if immediate updates are not possible.
See every vulnerability recorded for libx11 →
FAQ
CVE-2018-14600 is a critical vulnerability in the libX11 library that allows for an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to remote code execution.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity that requires immediate attention.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If you cannot update libX11 right away, consider implementing access restrictions to affected applications or running them in a secure environment.
For more information on vulnerabilities, you can visit Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities using a manifest file like package-lock.json.
References
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