CVE-2019-17264 in liblnk
Summary
by MITRE
In libyal liblnk before 20191006, liblnk_location_information_read_data in liblnk_location_information.c has a heap-based buffer over-read because an incorrect variable name is used for a certain offset.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17264 affects the libyal liblnk library, a component used for parsing Windows shortcut files or lnk files. This library serves as a crucial element in digital forensics and malware analysis, enabling tools to extract metadata and operational details from shortcut files. The specific flaw resides within the liblnk_location_information_read_data function located in the liblnk_location_information.c source file. The issue manifests as a heap-based buffer over-read, a critical memory safety vulnerability that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from an incorrect variable name being utilized for a specific offset calculation within the memory handling logic. When processing lnk file structures, the library attempts to read location information from memory regions that are improperly validated. This incorrect variable reference results in the program accessing memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially reading uninitialized or adjacent memory contents. Such buffer over-read conditions are particularly dangerous in security contexts as they can expose sensitive data or provide attackers with information useful for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can affect any application or system that relies on liblnk for processing shortcut files. In digital forensics environments, this could lead to incomplete or corrupted data extraction, potentially compromising investigation integrity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated analysis systems where malformed shortcut files might be encountered during routine processing. Attackers could potentially craft malicious lnk files designed to trigger this over-read condition, potentially leading to information disclosure or system instability. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 20191006, indicating that users operating older versions face significant risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17264 primarily involve updating to the patched version of the libyal liblnk library released after October 6, 2019. System administrators and security professionals should prioritize this update across all environments where the library is deployed, particularly in forensic analysis tools and automated threat detection systems. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation for shortcut file processing, deploying runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns, and maintaining comprehensive software inventory to track vulnerable components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and could potentially be leveraged in attacks following techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under process injection and memory manipulation tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted shortcut files to contain potential exploitation attempts.