CVE-2019-1010127 in VCFtools
Summary
by MITRE
VCFTools vcftools prior to version 0.1.15 is affected by: Use-after-free. The impact is: Denial of Service or possibly other impact (eg. code execution or information disclosure). The component is: The header::add_FILTER_descriptor method in header.cpp. The attack vector is: The victim must open a specially crafted VCF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-1010127 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in VCFTools vcftools version 0.1.15 and earlier, which poses significant security risks to users processing variant call format files. This vulnerability specifically resides within the header::add_FILTER_descriptor method in the header.cpp source file, making it a fundamental component of the software's header processing functionality. The flaw manifests when the software processes specially crafted VCF files, requiring user interaction to trigger the exploit through opening maliciously formatted input files. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential attack vectors for arbitrary code execution or information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management within the VCF header processing subsystem, where the add_FILTER_descriptor method fails to properly handle memory allocation and deallocation sequences. When a malicious VCF file is opened, the software's header parsing logic executes the flawed method, leading to a situation where freed memory addresses are accessed or modified, potentially causing unpredictable behavior. This memory corruption can result in program termination, denial of service conditions, or more severe consequences including code execution or information disclosure depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation circumstances. The attack requires local user interaction through file opening, making it particularly concerning for applications that process untrusted VCF data from external sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution in contexts where VCFTools is used in automated processing pipelines or web applications. The vulnerability affects the core header processing functionality of VCFTools, which is essential for parsing variant call format files used in genomic data analysis, making it particularly dangerous in research environments or clinical applications where large volumes of genomic data are processed. The flaw's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries may leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code, though the specific attack vector requires user interaction through file opening operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to version 0.1.15 or later, where the use-after-free condition has been addressed through proper memory management practices. System administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization for VCF files, particularly when processing external or untrusted data sources. Organizations should consider deploying network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious VCF files, while also implementing regular security updates and vulnerability assessments. The fix typically involves proper memory deallocation handling and ensuring that no references remain to freed memory regions, with the software maintaining proper object lifecycle management throughout the header processing operations. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted VCF files and the importance of maintaining updated software versions to prevent exploitation of this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.