CVE-2017-10792 in PSPP
Summary
by MITRE
There is a NULL Pointer Dereference in the function ll_insert() of the libpspp library in GNU PSPP 0.10.5-pre2. For example, a crash was observed within the library code when attempting to convert invalid SPSS data into CSV format. A crafted input will lead to a remote denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10792 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the GNU PSPP library's ll_insert() function, specifically affecting version 0.10.5-pre2. This issue manifests when processing malformed SPSS data files during conversion to CSV format, creating a scenario where the application crashes due to improper memory handling. The vulnerability stems from the library's failure to validate input parameters before attempting to dereference pointers, which constitutes a fundamental weakness in memory management practices. The flaw exists in the libpspp component that serves as the core processing engine for statistical data manipulation within the GNU PSPP suite, making it a critical component for analysis and data processing operations. The NULL pointer dereference occurs during the linked list insertion process when the system attempts to access a memory location that has not been properly initialized, resulting in an immediate application crash that terminates the processing thread.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specific SPSS data file that triggers the problematic ll_insert() function path within the libpspp library. When the library attempts to process this malformed input during CSV conversion, the NULL pointer dereference occurs at runtime, causing the application to crash and potentially leading to a denial of service condition. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, where the absence of proper null checks before pointer dereferencing creates a predictable crash scenario. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and lacks proper error handling mechanisms to gracefully manage malformed input data. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL Pointer Dereference conditions, representing a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently exploited in various applications throughout the industry. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered remotely through crafted data inputs, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where data processing applications may receive untrusted input from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10792 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass broader system availability concerns, particularly in environments where GNU PSPP serves as a critical data processing tool. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause complete denial of service for statistical analysis applications that rely on the library, potentially disrupting research workflows, data analysis pipelines, and automated processing systems. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the system, making it particularly concerning for web-based applications or services that process SPSS data files from untrusted sources. This vulnerability affects the availability and reliability of statistical processing systems, as any attempt to convert problematic SPSS files to CSV format will result in application termination. The flaw's impact is consistent across different deployment scenarios, whether in desktop environments, server applications, or automated data processing systems that utilize the libpspp library for statistical computations and data manipulation tasks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10792 should focus on immediate patching of the affected GNU PSPP library version, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying memory management flaw. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of GNU PSPP that contain proper null pointer validation within the ll_insert() function, ensuring that input data is properly validated before processing. Organizations should implement input validation controls at the application level to filter out potentially malicious SPSS files before they reach the vulnerable library functions, creating additional defensive layers against exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper error handling and defensive programming practices within the affected library would prevent the NULL pointer dereference from occurring, requiring developers to add null checks before pointer access operations. Network security measures such as input sanitization and data validation should be implemented at network boundaries to prevent malicious SPSS files from reaching systems that process such data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1499.004 which covers Server Software Component, and T1566.001 which addresses spearphishing attachments, indicating that exploitation typically occurs through malicious file attachments or network-based attacks targeting vulnerable systems processing statistical data files. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing or containerization strategies to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual patterns in data processing activities that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.