CVE-2017-12481 in Ledger
Summary
by MITRE
The find_option function in option.cc in Ledger 3.1.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12481 resides within the find_option function implementation in the option.cc file of Ledger version 3.1.1, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw that presents significant security implications for systems utilizing this financial accounting software. This vulnerability manifests when Ledger processes specially crafted input files, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, leading to unpredictable application behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the find_option function, which fails to properly sanitize or limit the size of data being processed from external files. When Ledger encounters malformed input during option parsing operations, the function does not enforce proper buffer size constraints, allowing maliciously constructed data to exceed allocated memory boundaries. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability operates at the stack level, where the program's execution flow can be disrupted through overwrite of return addresses, saved registers, or other critical stack frame data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through file-based attacks, eliminating the need for direct network access or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the stack-based buffer overflow can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation depending on system configurations. Applications using Ledger for financial data processing, accounting automation, or automated reporting systems face elevated risk when processing untrusted input files, as any compromised instance could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Ledger for financial transaction processing, budget management, or accounting automation where file-based input is common and security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12481 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have patched the buffer overflow vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should implement strict input validation policies for all files processed by Ledger, including automated scanning for potentially malicious content and restricting file access to trusted sources only. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual file processing patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for Ledger execution environments and establishing robust backup and recovery procedures to address potential service disruption. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a technique commonly catalogued in the ATT&CK framework under execution and privilege escalation tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures beyond simple patch management.