#VU6350 Out-of-bounds read in libevent - CVE-2017-5437

Vulnerability identifier: #VU6350

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 6.1 [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:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-5437, CVE-2016-10195

CWE-ID: CWE-125

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

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

Vendor: libevent

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to boundary error in name_parse() function in evdns.c within libevent library before 2.1.6-beta. A remote attacker can trigger out-of-bounds read and gain access to sensitive system memory.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Update to version 2.1.6-beta or later.

Vulnerable software versions

libevent: 2.1.6

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External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/31/17

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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.