CVE-2017-12618 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Portable Runtime Utility (APR-util) 1.6.0 and prior fail to validate the integrity of SDBM database files used by apr_sdbm*() functions, resulting in a possible out of bound read access. A local user with write access to the database can make a program or process using these functions crash, and cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12618 affects Apache Portable Runtime Utility version 1.6.0 and earlier releases, specifically targeting the apr_sdbm*() functions that handle SDBM database operations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the way APR-util processes database files, creating potential avenues for both denial of service and system instability. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the SDBM database handling code, where the system fails to properly verify the integrity of database files before processing them. This oversight allows malicious actors with local write privileges to manipulate database contents in ways that can trigger unexpected behavior in applications relying on these functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper bounds checking during SDBM database file processing operations. When apr_sdbm*() functions encounter database files, they do not validate the structural integrity or content boundaries of these files, leading to potential out-of-bounds memory read operations. This flaw manifests when a local user with write access to the database file can craft malicious database content that, when processed by applications using APR-util, causes memory access violations. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level, where the lack of proper validation allows the system to attempt reading memory locations beyond the intended database boundaries, potentially causing program crashes or system instability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on APR-util for database operations, particularly in environments where local users might have write access to database files. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the out-of-bounds read conditions can lead to unpredictable program behavior and potential information disclosure. Applications using APR-util for database operations become vulnerable to exploitation by local users who can manipulate database files to trigger crashes, effectively creating a persistent denial of service condition. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where multiple users or processes might interact with shared database files, as it provides a pathway for unauthorized disruption of critical services.
The weakness aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities in software systems, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as local users can leverage it to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in memory management and input validation can create significant security risks, particularly in widely-used utility libraries that form the foundation of many applications. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, especially in environments where local access controls might be insufficient or where legacy systems continue to operate with vulnerable versions of APR-util.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems with APR-util version 1.6.1 or later, which includes proper database file integrity validation. System administrators should also implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized write access to SDBM database files, particularly in multi-user environments. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual database file modifications and implementing robust application-level validation for database operations. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using vulnerable APR-util versions and ensure proper security updates are deployed across their infrastructure. The remediation process should also include reviewing application code to identify potential indirect dependencies on vulnerable APR-util functions and implementing proper error handling for database operations to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities.