CVE-2018-15834 in radare2
Summary
by MITRE
In radare2 before 2.9.0, a heap overflow vulnerability exists in the read_module_referenced_functions function in libr/anal/flirt.c via a crafted flirt signature file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The heap overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15834 affects radare2 versions prior to 2.9.0 and resides within the read_module_referenced_functions function located in libr/anal/flirt.c. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited through manipulation of flirt signature files, which are used for function matching and pattern recognition within the reverse engineering framework. The flaw occurs when the software processes malformed flirt signature data, leading to improper memory management during heap allocation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory validation within the flirt signature parsing mechanism. When radare2 encounters a crafted flirt signature file, the read_module_referenced_functions function fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to allocate memory on the heap. This lack of input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent heap memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates poor memory safety practices in the software's memory management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway for remote code execution within the context of the radare2 process. Since radare2 is widely used by security researchers, penetration testers, and reverse engineers for analyzing binary files and malware, exploitation of this flaw could enable adversaries to compromise analysis environments or gain unauthorized access to systems where the software is deployed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because flirt signature files are commonly shared and used in collaborative reverse engineering efforts, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15834 require immediate upgrading to radare2 version 2.9.0 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory validation for flirt signature processing. System administrators should also implement strict file validation procedures for any flirt signature files used in analysis environments, particularly those received from external sources. Additional defensive measures include running radare2 with restricted privileges, implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization, and monitoring for suspicious heap allocation patterns. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against heap-based memory corruption attacks, particularly in the context of software reverse engineering tools that process untrusted binary data.