CVE-2019-19647 in radare2
Summary
by MITRE
radare2 through 4.0.0 lacks validation of the content variable in the function r_asm_pseudo_incbin at libr/asm/asm.c, ultimately leading to an arbitrary write. This allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted input.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19647 affects radare2 versions through 4.0.0 and resides within the assembly module at libr/asm/asm.c in the function r_asm_pseudo_incbin. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the disassembly and assembly processing capabilities of the reverse engineering framework. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the content variable during pseudo instruction processing, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's memory state through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic buffer over-read condition combined with arbitrary write capabilities that arise from insufficient validation of input parameters. When the r_asm_pseudo_incbin function processes pseudo instructions containing crafted content variables, it fails to properly validate the boundaries and integrity of the data being processed. This validation gap allows attackers to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates within the core assembly processing functionality that is fundamental to radare2's operation as a reverse engineering tool.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to cause application crashes through controlled memory corruption, but more dangerously, they may be able to achieve unspecified other impacts that could include privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The nature of radare2 as a security analysis tool means that exploitation could occur in environments where the software is used for legitimate security research, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the integrity of security analysis processes. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where radare2 is used for processing untrusted binary data, such as in malware analysis, vulnerability research, or automated security testing environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19647 should prioritize immediate patching of affected radare2 installations to version 4.0.1 or later, where the validation issues have been addressed. Organizations should implement strict input validation policies for any data processed through radare2, particularly when handling untrusted binary files or network data. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running radare2 to untrusted inputs. The ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter, could be relevant in understanding how this vulnerability might be leveraged in automated attack scenarios. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all components of the security toolchain remain protected against similar classes of vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms when processing potentially malicious binary data to contain any potential exploitation attempts.