#VU28205 Stack-based buffer overflow in cracklib - CVE-2016-6318

Vulnerability identifier: #VU28205

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-6318

CWE-ID: CWE-121

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
cracklib
Universal components / Libraries / Libraries used by multiple products

Vendor: cracklib

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the FascistGecosUser() function in lib/fascist.c when processing a long GECOS field, involving longbuffer. A remote unauthenticated attacker can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow via an overly long password string and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

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

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

cracklib: 2.9.6

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External links
https://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2016-08/msg00122.html
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/08/16/2
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/92478
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/05/msg00023.html
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201612-25

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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.