#VU9402 Out-of-bounds write in libxls - CVE-2017-12111

Vulnerability identifier: #VU9402

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 5.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/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-2017-12111

CWE-ID: CWE-787

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
libxls
Client/Desktop applications / Multimedia software

Vendor: libxls.sourceforge.net

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

The weakness exists in the xls_addCell function due to out-of-bounds write. A remote attacker can send a specially crafted .xls file, trick the victim into opening it, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in system compromise.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

libxls: 1.4

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External links
https://www.talosintelligence.com/reports/TALOS-2017-0463/

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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.