CVE-2018-11723 in libpff
Summary
by MITRE
The libpff_name_to_id_map_entry_read function in libpff_name_to_id_map.c in libyal libpff through 2018-04-28 allows remote attackers to cause an information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted pff file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11723 affects the libyal libpff library, a component used for parsing Personal Folder File format data commonly found in Microsoft Outlook email archives. This library serves as a critical tool for digital forensics and email analysis, processing pst and ost file formats that contain vast amounts of sensitive email data. The flaw exists within the libpff_name_to_id_map_entry_read function located in the libpff_name_to_id_map.c source file, representing a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted pff files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the name-to-id mapping functionality of the library. When processing a specially crafted pff file, the function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses during the parsing of name-to-id mapping entries, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read. This occurs because the library attempts to read data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information from adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer over-read under CWE-125, which represents an out-of-bounds read condition that can result in information disclosure and potentially more severe consequences depending on the memory layout.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on libpff for email forensics, data recovery, or archive processing operations. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious pff files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the buffer over-read condition. The information disclosure aspect means that attackers could potentially extract sensitive data from memory, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability particularly impacts digital forensics tools, email analysis platforms, and any software that utilizes libpff for parsing personal folder files, creating potential attack vectors for information leakage in environments handling sensitive email data.
The exploitation of CVE-2018-11723 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, where adversaries may leverage such vulnerabilities to extract sensitive information from memory. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability allows for remote information disclosure without requiring authentication. Mitigation strategies include implementing strict file validation procedures, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted pff files, and ensuring all systems utilize patched versions of the libyal libpff library. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts in systems processing email archives. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process potentially malicious email data, while maintaining regular updates to security libraries and frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.