CVE-2018-14744 in PBC
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libpbc.a in cloudwu PBC through 2017-03-02. A use-after-free can occur in _pbcM_sp_query in map.c.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14744 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the libpbc library, specifically within the cloudwu PBC implementation. This library serves as a core component for parsing and processing binary data structures, making it a fundamental element in various applications that handle structured data processing. The issue manifests in the _pbcM_sp_query function located within the map.c source file, where improper memory management leads to dangerous conditions that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability arises from the library's handling of memory allocation and deallocation during the processing of specific data patterns, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory states and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. This flaw occurs when the library allocates memory for certain data structures and subsequently frees that memory while still maintaining references to it. In the context of the _pbcM_sp_query function, the memory management sequence becomes problematic when processing specific query operations that involve map data structures. The function fails to properly validate the state of memory references before accessing freed memory locations, creating a window where attackers can manipulate the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability typically requires careful crafting of input data to trigger the specific memory access patterns that lead to the use-after-free condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14744 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it presents significant exploitation opportunities that can lead to complete system compromise. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system takeover. The nature of the libpbc library means that any application relying on it for data processing becomes vulnerable to this attack vector, creating a widespread impact across various software ecosystems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a deep understanding of the library's internal memory management and the specific conditions that trigger the use-after-free scenario, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications process untrusted data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected library version, as the original developers have released updated implementations that address the memory management issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular updates to all third-party libraries and dependencies. Additionally, input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced to prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable functions within the library. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The implementation of address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigation techniques can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security audits should verify that no other similar memory management issues exist within the application's codebase. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management practices and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in security-sensitive applications.