CVE-2018-11377 in radare2
Summary
by MITRE
The avr_op_analyze() function in radare2 2.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted binary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11377 resides within the avr_op_analyze() function of radare2 version 2.5.0, representing a critical heap-based out-of-bounds read flaw that can be exploited remotely. This issue manifests when the software processes malformed binary files through its analysis engine, specifically targeting the AVR architecture opcode analysis component. The flaw occurs during the parsing and interpretation of binary data where insufficient input validation leads to memory access violations. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability falls under the category of out-of-bounds read conditions, which can result in unpredictable behavior and system instability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a denial of service attack vector through memory corruption techniques that compromise application availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of binary data structures during opcode analysis. When radare2 encounters a crafted binary file, the avr_op_analyze() function fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This allows attackers to construct malicious input that triggers heap memory access beyond allocated bounds, leading to application crashes and potential information disclosure. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the memory corruption occurs in dynamically allocated memory regions, making exploitation more complex but potentially more impactful than stack-based alternatives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to encompass broader security implications for systems relying on radare2 for binary analysis. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to disrupt security analysis workflows, potentially causing cascading failures in automated security tools that depend on radare2's functionality. Organizations conducting vulnerability assessments, malware analysis, or reverse engineering operations may experience service interruptions when processing potentially malicious files. The denial of service aspect affects system availability and can be particularly problematic in security operations centers where continuous analysis capabilities are critical. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in security tools that process untrusted data, as these applications often serve as foundational components in cybersecurity infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11377 should prioritize immediate software updates to radare2 versions that contain patched implementations of the avr_op_analyze() function. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious files during analysis processes. Input validation measures including file type verification and size limitations should be enforced at network boundaries to prevent exploitation attempts. Security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual application behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive software testing including fuzzing techniques to identify similar memory corruption issues in security analysis tools. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for binary analysis to contain potential exploitation impacts and maintain operational continuity during security incidents.