CVE-2016-10713 in Patch
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in GNU patch before 2.7.6. Out-of-bounds access within pch_write_line() in pch.c can possibly lead to DoS via a crafted input file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10713 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within the GNU patch utility version 2.7.5 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the pch_write_line() function located in the pch.c source file, which forms part of the patch command-line utility used extensively for applying software patches to source code. The GNU patch utility serves as a fundamental component in software development workflows, package management systems, and automated build processes across numerous operating systems and development environments. When processing maliciously crafted input files, the vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read operation that can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably, thereby enabling a denial of service condition.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the pch_write_line() function processes malformed patch data structures that cause memory access beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory safety issues commonly found in C/C++ programs where array indexing calculations fail to properly validate input boundaries. When GNU patch encounters a crafted input file that triggers this condition, the application typically terminates abruptly or enters an undefined state, preventing legitimate patch operations from completing successfully. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal user interaction with patch files, making it exploitable in automated systems or when processing untrusted input from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10713 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can compromise the integrity of software build processes and automated deployment pipelines that rely on GNU patch functionality. In enterprise environments where patch management systems automatically apply security updates or code modifications, this vulnerability could allow attackers to disrupt critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the widespread use of GNU patch across Unix-like systems, including Linux distributions, macOS, and various embedded systems. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through command-line interfaces, particularly when patch files are automatically processed without proper validation. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also automated build servers, continuous integration pipelines, and package repositories that depend on patch utility functionality. Organizations using GNU patch in their software development lifecycle may experience service interruptions, failed builds, and potential security compromise when patch files are not properly sanitized before processing.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to GNU patch version 2.7.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent out-of-bounds memory access conditions. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing input validation controls for any patch processing workflows. Additional protective measures include configuring automated systems to validate patch file integrity before processing, implementing sandboxed environments for patch application, and monitoring for unusual patch processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to patch processing systems and establish robust incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date system components and implementing comprehensive security practices in software development environments where patch utilities are routinely used.