Integer Overflow Vulnerability in libarchive - Denial of Service Risk
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2016-5844: Integer overflow in the ISO parser in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted ISO file. Affects libarchive versions < 3.2.1-r0. Fixed in 3.2.1-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
libarchive is a widely used library for reading and writing streaming archives, including formats like tar, zip, and ISO. It provides a flexible and efficient way to handle various archive formats, making it a critical component in many applications. However, prior to version 3.2.1, libarchive contained an integer overflow vulnerability in its ISO parser, which could be exploited by attackers to cause application crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-5844, originates from an integer overflow in the ISO parser of libarchive versions before 3.2.1. This flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious ISO files that, when processed by the library, can lead to a denial of service through application crashes. The technical aspect of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of input data, which can exceed the expected limits, causing the application to behave unpredictably.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.2.1-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade libarchiveTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid processing untrusted or unverified ISO files until the library is updated. Implement strict validation checks on input files to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Conclusion
The integer overflow vulnerability in libarchive poses a significant risk of denial of service through crafted ISO files. It is crucial for users and developers to update to the patched version to mitigate this risk. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for libarchive →
FAQ
CVE-2016-5844 is a vulnerability in libarchive that allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via crafted ISO files.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to application crashes, resulting in denial of service for users relying on the affected software.
Yes, the vulnerability is fixed in libarchive version 3.2.1 and later. Updating to this version will resolve the issue.
If an immediate update is not possible, avoid processing untrusted ISO files and implement input validation to reduce risk.
References
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