CVE-2017-11733 in Ming
Summary
by MITRE
A null pointer dereference vulnerability was found in the function stackswap (called from decompileSTACKSWAP) in util/decompile.c in Ming 0.4.8, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The null pointer dereference vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11733 resides within the Ming library version 0.4.8, specifically within the util/decompile.c source file. This flaw manifests in the stackswap function which is invoked from the decompileSTACKSWAP function, creating a critical pathway for exploitation that can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability represents a classic software defect where the application attempts to access memory through a null pointer reference, leading to an immediate crash or termination of the targeted process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the decompilation process of Ming library components. When processing crafted input files, the stackswap function fails to properly validate pointer references before attempting to dereference them, resulting in a segmentation fault or access violation that terminates the application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, making it a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The attack vector requires an adversary to craft a malicious file that, when processed by the vulnerable decompilation function, triggers the null pointer dereference condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant denial of service risk for systems that rely on the Ming library for processing or decompiling content. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect applications that depend on proper decompilation functionality, potentially leading to cascading failures in dependent systems. The vulnerability's exploitability is relatively straightforward since it only requires the ability to provide a specially crafted file to the vulnerable application, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which focuses on network denial of service attacks and represents a common attack pattern in software exploitation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11733 primarily involve immediate patching of the affected Ming library version to 0.4.9 or later, which contains the necessary code modifications to prevent null pointer dereference conditions. Organizations should also implement input validation controls and sandboxing mechanisms when processing untrusted files through the decompilation functions. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual application termination patterns and implementing proper error handling that can gracefully manage unexpected input conditions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and defensive programming practices that should be integrated into all software development lifecycle processes. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify and alert on the presence of known vulnerable library versions within their environments.