Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in W3M Package Could Lead to Denial of Service
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2023-4255: An out-of-bounds write issue has been discovered in the backspace handling of the checkType() function in etc.c within the W3M application. Affects w3m versions < 0.5.3+git20230121-2.1. Fixed in 0.5.3+git20230121-2.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
W3M is a text-based web browser commonly used in Unix-like operating systems. It allows users to view web pages in a terminal environment, supporting various features such as tables, frames, and SSL connections. The package is particularly useful for users who prefer a lightweight browsing experience without a graphical user interface. However, W3M has been found to have a critical vulnerability that affects its stability and security.
Vulnerability Detail
An out-of-bounds write issue has been discovered in the backspace handling of the checkType() function in etc.c within the W3M application. This vulnerability arises when a specially crafted HTML file is supplied to the w3m binary, potentially leading to application crashes. Exploitation of this flaw could result in a denial of service condition, making the application unusable for the user.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.5.3+git20230121-2.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade w3mTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid opening untrusted or specially crafted HTML files with the W3M browser until the package is updated. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until a patch is applied.
Conclusion
The W3M package has a critical vulnerability that could lead to denial of service due to an out-of-bounds write issue. Users are advised to update to the patched version as soon as possible and to avoid using the browser with untrusted HTML files until the update is applied. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write issue that can lead to application crashes and denial of service.
If you are using a version prior to 0.5.3+git20230121-2.1, your installation is vulnerable.
Avoid using W3M to open untrusted HTML files until you can apply the update.
You can refer to the Debian CVE database or the official W3M documentation for detailed information.
Vulert monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing the manifest file like package-lock.json, providing real-time insights without requiring code access.
References
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