CVE-2016-10375 in Yodl
Summary
by MITRE
Yodl before 3.07.01 has a Buffer Over-read in the queue_push function in queue/queuepush.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10375 represents a critical buffer over-read condition within the Yodl document processing system, specifically within the queue_push function located in queue/queuepush.c. This flaw exists in Yodl versions prior to 3.07.01 and constitutes a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential exploitation. The buffer over-read occurs when the queue_push function processes input data without proper bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted input to read beyond allocated memory boundaries.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 category of Out-of-bounds Read, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices that are frequently exploited in software exploitation frameworks. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, which may contain credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data. The queue_push function serves as a critical component in the document processing pipeline, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted input is processed.
The exploitation of this buffer over-read vulnerability can lead to several adverse outcomes including application crashes, information disclosure, and potentially remote code execution depending on the system configuration and memory layout. Attackers can craft malicious input that triggers the over-read condition, causing the application to access memory regions that should not be accessible, thereby exposing potentially sensitive data. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the over-read can be leveraged to extract information that might be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in systems where memory is not properly isolated or when the application is running with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10375 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Yodl installations to version 3.07.01 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms throughout the application codebase can prevent similar issues from occurring. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous memory access patterns and unexpected application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of memory safety practices and the need for comprehensive code reviews focusing on buffer management and input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigations to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.