#VU32075 Heap-based buffer overflow in c-ares - CVE-2016-5180

Vulnerability identifier: #VU32075

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-2016-5180

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
c-ares
Universal components / Libraries / Libraries used by multiple products

Vendor: c-ares.haxx.se

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error in Heap-based buffer overflow in the ares_create_query function in c-ares 1.x before 1.12.0. A remote attacker can use a hostname with an escaped trailing dot. to trigger heap-based buffer overflow 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 1.12.0.

Vulnerable software versions

c-ares: 1.0.0 - 1.11.0

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External links
https://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017-0002.html
https://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3682
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93243
https://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3143-1
https://c-ares.haxx.se/adv_20160929.html
https://c-ares.haxx.se/CVE-2016-5180.patch
https://googlechromereleases.blogspot.in/2016/09/stable-channel-updates-for-chrome-os.html
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-28
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2017-01-01.html

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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.