CVE-2019-18604 in axodraw2
Summary
by MITRE
In axohelp.c before 1.3 in axohelp in axodraw2 before 2.1.1b, as distributed in TeXLive and other collections, sprintf is mishandled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18604 represents a classic buffer overflow condition affecting the axohelp component within the axodraw2 package ecosystem. This issue manifests in the improper handling of the sprintf function call within the axohelp.c source file prior to version 1.3, specifically when integrated with axodraw2 versions before 2.1.1b. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects widely distributed software packages through TeXLive and other major software collections, making it accessible to a broad user base. The flaw occurs during string formatting operations where the application fails to properly validate input lengths against destination buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The improper sprintf usage creates a situation where user-supplied data can exceed the allocated buffer size, leading to potential memory corruption. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that when processed through the vulnerable sprintf function, causes buffer overflows that may result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application level where untrusted input flows directly into string formatting functions without adequate bounds checking, making it susceptible to exploitation through input manipulation techniques.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running affected versions of axodraw2 and axohelp components. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, particularly in environments where these packages are used for document processing or rendering tasks. The widespread distribution through TeXLive and other software collections means that numerous academic, research, and enterprise environments may be exposed to this vulnerability. System administrators and users who rely on these packages for document preparation, particularly in collaborative or networked environments, face potential compromise risks. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-18604 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 1.3 or later for axohelp and 2.1.1b or later for axodraw2, which contain the necessary patches addressing the sprintf handling issues. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict bounds checking on all string operations within affected applications, particularly those involving user-supplied data. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious string formatting operations and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management programs should be enhanced to ensure timely deployment of security updates for all software components within the TeXLive ecosystem and similar package distributions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve command injection techniques, and T1133 for external remote services, given the potential network-based exploitation scenarios.