#VU17471 Heap-based buffer overflow in rdesktop - CVE-2018-8797

Vulnerability identifier: #VU17471

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 7.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8797

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
rdesktop
Server applications / Other server solutions

Vendor: rdesktop.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a heap-based buffer overflow condition in the process_plane() function. A remote attacker can trick the victim who is using a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client on a targeted system into connecting to an attacker-controlled RDP server, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Update to version 1.8.4.

Vulnerable software versions

rdesktop: 1.0.0 - 1.8.3

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External links
https://github.com/rdesktop/rdesktop/commit/4dca546d04321a610c1835010b5dad85163b65e1

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.