CVE-2013-4397 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the th_read function in lib/block.c in libtar before 1.2.20 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long (1) name or (2) link in an archive, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4397 represents a critical security flaw within the libtar library version 1.2.20 and earlier, affecting systems that process tar archive files through this library component. This issue stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the th_read function located in lib/block.c, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate archive data structures and potentially compromise system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets integer overflow conditions that occur when processing archive metadata, particularly affecting name and link fields within tar archives. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft specially formatted archive entries that trigger memory corruption during parsing operations, resulting in unpredictable system behavior and potential exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves integer overflows that occur when the th_read function processes archive entries containing excessively long name or link fields. When these fields exceed predetermined limits, the integer arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the overflow conditions, leading to heap-based buffer overflows in memory allocation routines. This memory corruption manifests as invalid memory access patterns that can cause program crashes or, in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, enable arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and input validation, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate the size parameters used for buffer allocation. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and execution techniques through memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4397 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could compromise entire systems. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause applications relying on libtar to crash unexpectedly, disrupting services and potentially providing attackers with opportunities to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected process. Systems that automatically process tar archives from untrusted sources, such as file upload handlers, automated backup systems, or content delivery networks, become particularly vulnerable to this attack vector. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect execution flow, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where archive processing occurs without proper sandboxing or input sanitization. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the conditions from outside the target system, making it a significant concern for networked services and applications handling external archive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4397 require immediate patching of affected libtar installations to version 1.2.20 or later, which contains fixed integer overflow handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation procedures for all archive processing operations, including length restrictions on name and link fields within tar archives. Security teams should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious archive processing activities and implement proper privilege separation for archive handling components. Additionally, applications using libtar should incorporate defensive programming practices such as bounds checking, memory sanitization, and proper error handling for archive parsing operations. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been fully resolved without introducing regressions in functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify systems running vulnerable versions of libtar and other affected libraries to prevent exploitation attempts.