Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in Perl: CVE-2024-56406
Summary
CVE-2024-56406: A heap buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in Perl. Affects perl across 2 version ranges.
< 5.36.2-r1
< 87f42aa0e0096e9a346c9672aa3a0bd3bef8c1dd
Fixed in 5.36.2-r1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Perl is a high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its text processing capabilities and flexibility. It is widely used for web development, system administration, and network programming. The language supports various programming paradigms, including procedural and object-oriented programming. However, like many software packages, Perl is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise its functionality and security.
Vulnerability Detail
A heap buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in Perl, specifically in the tr operator when non-ASCII bytes are present on the left-hand side. This issue arises in the S_do_trans_invmap function, which can lead to an overflow of the destination pointer d. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a Denial of Service (DoS) and potentially allow for code execution on systems lacking adequate defenses. An example of the vulnerability can be demonstrated with the following Perl command: $ perl -e '$_ = "\x{FF}" x 1000000; tr/\xFF/\x{100}/;'. This command can lead to a segmentation fault, indicating a crash of the Perl interpreter.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.36.2-r1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade perlTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the tr operator with non-ASCII bytes on the left-hand side until the package is updated. This can help mitigate the risk of triggering the vulnerability.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-56406 represents a significant vulnerability in Perl that can lead to severe consequences, including Denial of Service and potential code execution. It is crucial for users to update their Perl installations to the patched version to safeguard their systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-56406 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in Perl that can lead to Denial of Service and potential code execution.
You can check if your application is affected by using Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to use the Vulert playground without signup.
The vulnerability can cause a segmentation fault, leading to application crashes and potential exploitation for code execution on vulnerable systems.
You can update Perl by running the command: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install perl, ensuring you have the patched version installed.
Yes, avoid using the tr operator with non-ASCII bytes on the left-hand side until the package is updated to mitigate the risk.
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