CVE-2018-11130 in VCFtools
Summary
by MITRE
The header::add_FORMAT_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted vcf file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11130 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the VCFtools 0.1.15 software package, specifically within the header.cpp file at the header::add_FORMAT_descriptor function. This flaw manifests when processing malformed variant call format files that contain crafted vcf data structures, creating a scenario where memory previously deallocated is accessed by subsequent operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the VCFtools library, which is widely utilized for processing genetic variant data in bioinformatics applications. Such a condition creates a potential vector for remote attackers to exploit the software through carefully constructed malicious vcf files that trigger the problematic code path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of vcf file structures to force the header::add_FORMAT_descriptor function into executing operations on memory that has already been freed. This particular flaw falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities where software continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior. When the malicious vcf file is processed, the function attempts to add format descriptors to the header structure while simultaneously freeing previously allocated memory segments, creating a race condition that can result in memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the parsing level of the software, meaning that any application or service utilizing VCFtools for vcf file processing could become vulnerable to remote exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11130 extends beyond simple denial of service, as the use-after-free condition could potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. While the primary effect is a denial of service that causes the VCFtools application to crash or become unresponsive, the underlying memory corruption could theoretically be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a potential escalation from a simple DoS condition to a remote code execution vulnerability, particularly in environments where VCFtools is used in automated processing pipelines or web applications. The vulnerability affects systems running VCFtools 0.1.15 and potentially earlier versions, making it relevant to numerous bioinformatics workflows and research environments that process genetic data through this tool. Given the widespread adoption of VCFtools in genomic research, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive across academic institutions, research organizations, and commercial bioinformatics platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11130 should prioritize immediate patching of affected VCFtools installations to version 0.1.16 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the memory management issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all vcf files processed through VCFtools, including the use of automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious content before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of VCFtools instances to untrusted inputs, particularly in web-facing applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper memory management practices in bioinformatics software, with developers encouraged to adopt defensive programming techniques such as using smart pointers, implementing proper resource cleanup, and conducting thorough code reviews focused on memory handling. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual process behavior or crashes in VCFtools instances, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include updating related bioinformatics workflows and ensuring that all dependent software components are also patched to prevent indirect exploitation vectors that could leverage this vulnerability in broader computational environments.