CVE-2018-10360 in File
Summary
by MITRE
The do_core_note function in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.33 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10360 resides within the file command version 5.33, specifically in the libmagic.a library's readelf.c component. This flaw manifests in the do_core_note function where improper input validation leads to a critical out-of-bounds read condition. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious ELF files that trigger the vulnerable code path during file type detection operations. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read vulnerability that can be leveraged for remote denial of service attacks against systems utilizing the file command for content inspection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the do_core_note function when processing ELF core note sections. When the file command encounters a specially crafted ELF file, the function attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in unpredictable application behavior. This out-of-bounds memory access can lead to application crashes, segmentation faults, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the system configuration and memory layout. The vulnerability operates at the binary analysis layer where file command performs magic number detection and file type identification, making it particularly dangerous for security tools and automated file processing systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10360 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect any system relying on the file command for automated file analysis, including web servers processing user uploads, security scanning tools, and network monitoring systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause persistent service unavailability by repeatedly submitting malicious ELF files to systems that perform automatic file type detection. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where automated file handling is prevalent, such as email servers, file sharing platforms, and security appliances that rely on file command for content inspection. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly maps to the out-of-bounds read condition.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the file command to version 5.34 or later where the issue has been resolved through proper bounds checking implementation. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at network boundaries to filter out suspicious ELF files before they reach systems running vulnerable versions of file command. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for file analysis operations and regularly audit their file processing pipelines for similar vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004 which covers Network Denial of Service and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as exploitation typically requires targeting systems that perform automated file analysis and can be used to maintain persistent service disruption against critical infrastructure.