CVE-2017-14501 in libarchive
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read flaw exists in parse_file_info in archive_read_support_format_iso9660.c in libarchive 3.3.2 when extracting a specially crafted iso9660 iso file, related to archive_read_format_iso9660_read_header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14501 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the libarchive library version 3.3.2, specifically affecting the iso9660 file format extraction functionality. This issue resides in the parse_file_info function located within the archive_read_support_format_iso9660.c source file, making it a fundamental component of the library's handling of iso9660 formatted disk images. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted iso9660 files, indicating that malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by constructing specific iso files designed to trigger the out-of-bounds memory access pattern.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the iso9660 parsing logic. When the archive_read_format_iso9660_read_header function processes malformed iso9660 metadata structures, it fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations. This allows attackers to craft iso files containing malformed directory entries or file descriptors that cause the parser to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The flaw operates at the core of the archive extraction process, meaning any application utilizing libarchive for iso9660 file processing becomes vulnerable to this memory corruption issue.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as out-of-bounds read conditions can potentially lead to information disclosure or even remote code execution depending on the execution environment and memory layout. When exploited, this flaw could allow attackers to read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing stack contents, heap data, or other critical information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on libarchive for handling iso9660 formatted media, which includes numerous operating systems, backup tools, and software distribution platforms that utilize this widely-deployed library for archive processing.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that often accompany read issues. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under initial access and execution phases, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access through compromised archive processing or potentially escalate privileges if the vulnerable application executes with elevated permissions. Organizations should prioritize updating their libarchive installations to versions that have addressed this specific flaw, while also implementing input validation measures and monitoring for suspicious archive file processing activities. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing sandboxing or restricted execution environments for any applications that process untrusted iso9660 files to minimize potential exploitation impact.