CVE-2018-14346 in Libextractor
Summary
by MITRE
GNU Libextractor before 1.7 has a stack-based buffer overflow in ec_read_file_func (unzip.c).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14346 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within GNU Libextractor version 1.7 and earlier, specifically affecting the ec_read_file_func function located in the unzip.c source file. This flaw manifests when processing compressed archive files, particularly those utilizing zip format compression methods, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The issue arises from inadequate bounds checking during file extraction operations, where the application fails to validate the size of incoming data against allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the decompression routine of the library. When the ec_read_file_func processes zip archives, it attempts to read and extract file contents without sufficient validation of the input data length relative to the destination buffer size. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft a specially malformed zip file containing oversized data structures that exceed the predefined buffer limits. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the corrupted memory directly affects the program's execution stack, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or complete application crash.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as it presents a significant risk to systems relying on GNU Libextractor for file metadata extraction and content analysis. Attackers could exploit this weakness by embedding maliciously crafted zip archives in email attachments, file sharing systems, or web content delivery mechanisms, leading to unauthorized code execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability affects any software that integrates GNU Libextractor as a dependency, including content management systems, file analysis tools, and security scanning applications. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized access, data compromise, or complete system takeover depending on the execution context and privilege levels of the affected applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14346 primarily focus on immediate version updates to GNU Libextractor 1.7 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all applications utilizing vulnerable versions of the library and implement urgent patch deployment schedules. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious zip file content patterns and establishing strict file validation procedures for incoming archive processing. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a technique commonly categorized under ATT&CK matrix tactic TA0002 Execution and technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where file extraction and metadata analysis are critical system functions.