CVE-2017-12482 in Ledger
Summary
by MITRE
The ledger::parse_date_mask_routine function in times.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-2017-12482 resides within the ledger::parse_date_mask_routine function in the times.cc component of Ledger version 3.1.1, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow that can be exploited remotely. This flaw manifests when the application processes crafted input files, specifically those containing malformed date mask patterns that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries during parsing operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the date parsing routine, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such buffer overflow conditions typically occur when the application fails to properly validate the length of input strings before copying them into fixed-size buffers, a common pattern that aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through the delivery of maliciously crafted ledger files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might process untrusted financial data or transaction records.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling more sophisticated attack scenarios. While the primary effect manifests as application crashes and system instability, the underlying buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution in certain circumstances. When the stack memory is overwritten, the application's execution flow can be altered, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the application's memory space. This represents a significant security risk for financial institutions and individual users who rely on Ledger for accounting and bookkeeping operations, as compromised systems could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive financial data or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the core parsing functionality of the application, meaning that any financial data processing operation involving date parsing could be compromised, including transaction imports, report generation, and data synchronization activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12482 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Ledger installations to version 3.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation procedures for all ledger files, particularly those received from external sources, and consider deploying automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious input patterns before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the exposure of Ledger systems to untrusted networks or users. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for abnormal application behavior or crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive standpoint, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or system compromise. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other financial applications and accounting systems that might be similarly vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input sanitization practices in financial applications that handle sensitive data processing operations.