Critical Vulnerability in xorg-server: Potential Remote Code Execution Risk
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2017-12181: xorg-x11-server before 1.19.5 was missing length validation in XFree86 DGA extension allowing malicious X client to cause X server to crash or possibly execute arbitrary code. Affects xorg-server versions < 1.19.5-r0. Fixed in 1.19.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
xorg-server is a core component of the X Window System, responsible for managing graphical display on Unix-like operating systems. It provides essential services for rendering graphics and handling input devices. The package is widely used in various Linux distributions, including Alpine Linux. However, it has been identified to have a significant vulnerability that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-12181, stems from a lack of length validation in the XFree86 DGA extension of xorg-server versions prior to 1.19.5. This oversight allows a malicious X client to send specially crafted requests to the X server, potentially causing it to crash or execute arbitrary code. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.19.5-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade xorg-serverTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate patching is not possible, consider restricting access to the X server to trusted clients only. This can be achieved by configuring the server to only allow connections from specific IP addresses or using access control lists.
Conclusion
The xorg-server package has a critical vulnerability that poses a significant risk to systems using it. Immediate action is required to update to the patched version to mitigate potential exploitation. Users are encouraged to monitor their systems using tools like Vulert for real-time alerts on vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for xorg-server →
FAQ
CVE-2017-12181 is a critical vulnerability in the xorg-server package that allows remote code execution due to insufficient validation of input lengths.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Check your application against this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to system crashes or unauthorized execution of code, potentially compromising the entire system.
Yes, you can restrict access to the X server to trusted clients as a temporary workaround until the package can be updated.
The CVSS score of CVE-2017-12181 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of risk.
References
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