Critical Integer Overflow Vulnerability in libgc Package Leading to Potential Code Execution
Summary
CVE-2016-9427: Integer overflow vulnerability in bdwgc before 2016-09-27 allows attackers to cause client of bdwgc denial of service (heap buffer overflow crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via huge allocation. Affects libgc across 2 version ranges.
< 1:7.6.4-0.3
< d8bfa89c2a9c7c86fb98acbc53b5750600b95492
Fixed in 1:7.6.4-0.3. How to fix ↓
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Background
The libgc package, also known as Boehm-Demers-Weiser garbage collector, is a widely used memory management library in C and C++ programming. It provides automatic garbage collection, which helps in managing memory allocation and deallocation without manual intervention. However, the package has been found to be vulnerable to an integer overflow issue that can lead to severe consequences, including denial of service and potential arbitrary code execution.
Vulnerability Detail
The integer overflow vulnerability in bdwgc, identified as CVE-2016-9427, was discovered prior to September 27, 2016. This flaw allows attackers to exploit the library by causing a heap buffer overflow crash in clients using bdwgc. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of large memory allocation requests, which can lead to unexpected behavior and crashes. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant risk to systems utilizing the affected library.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:7.6.4-0.3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade libgcTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit the size of memory allocations in their applications to avoid triggering the overflow condition. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the package is strongly advised.
Conclusion
The integer overflow vulnerability in the libgc package poses a significant risk to applications that rely on this library for memory management. It is crucial for users to update to the fixed version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Regular monitoring and vulnerability management practices, such as using tools like Vulert, can help in maintaining application security.
See every vulnerability recorded for libgc →
FAQ
CVE-2016-9427 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the libgc package that can lead to denial of service and potential arbitrary code execution.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
The CVSS score for CVE-2016-9427 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing memory allocation limits in your applications as a temporary workaround.
More information can be found in the official CVE database and related security advisories linked to this vulnerability.
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