#VU8661 Heap-based buffer overflow in Dnsmasq - CVE-2017-14492

Vulnerability identifier: #VU8661

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 7.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-14492

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Local network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Dnsmasq
Server applications / DNS servers

Vendor: GNU

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to boundary error when processing IPv6 router advertisements. A remote unauthenticated attacker on local network can send specially crafted IPv6 router advertisement to the affected service, trigger heap-based buffer overflow and crash the service or execute arbitrary code on the target system.

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

Mitigation
Update to version 2.78.

Vulnerable software versions

Dnsmasq: 0.4 - 2.77

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External links
https://lists.thekelleys.org.uk/pipermail/dnsmasq-discuss/2017q4/011771.html
https://security.googleblog.com/2017/10/behind-masq-yet-more-dns-and-dhcp.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 local network (LAN).

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.