CVE-2018-11432 in Libmobi
Summary
by MITRE
The mobi_parse_mobiheader function in read.c in Libmobi 0.3 allows remote attackers to cause information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted mobi file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11432 resides within the Libmobi library version 0.3, specifically in the mobi_parse_mobiheader function located in the read.c source file. This flaw represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing maliciously crafted mobi files, which are commonly used for storing electronic books and documents. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during the parsing of mobi file headers, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read exploitation pattern where the mobi_parse_mobiheader function fails to properly validate the size and structure of input data before attempting to read from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition allows attackers to craft specially formatted mobi files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger unauthorized memory access. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability indicates that the memory corruption occurs within the heap allocation area, potentially leading to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory layout and application context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize Libmobi for processing mobi document files, particularly in environments where user-supplied content is processed without proper sanitization. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this flaw through network-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, document processing services, or any system that accepts mobi file uploads. The information disclosure aspect can expose sensitive data from memory locations, potentially including authentication tokens, application secrets, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent such memory access violations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows patterns consistent with the attack technique described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and script injection, where the memory corruption can potentially lead to execution control flow manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Libmobi, implementing input validation controls, and deploying application-level sandboxing measures for document processing. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns and malformed mobi file structures that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in library code, particularly when handling untrusted data formats.