CVE-2020-18232 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in function H5S_close in H5S.c in HDF5 1.10.4 allows remote attackers to run arbitrary code via creation of crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2023
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-18232 resides within the HDF5 library version 1.10.4, specifically in the H5S_close function located in the H5S.c source file. This critical flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially crafted HDF5 files that contain malformed data structures, particularly within the spatial data handling components of the library. The flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of spatial dataset metadata, allowing attackers to overflow a fixed-size buffer and overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through arbitrary code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and data. When an application utilizing the vulnerable HDF5 library processes a maliciously crafted file, the buffer overflow can lead to memory corruption that may result in denial of service, data manipulation, or complete system compromise depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to attackers who can simply deliver a malicious file through various means such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. Applications that rely on HDF5 for scientific data processing, including those in research institutions, financial services, and government agencies, are at risk if they process untrusted data files through the vulnerable library components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-18232 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the HDF5 development community. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to HDF5 versions 1.10.5 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Additionally, implementing strict input validation procedures for all HDF5 file processing operations can serve as a temporary workaround while patches are deployed. Security measures should include network segmentation to limit exposure of systems that process HDF5 files, application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within the software stack. The remediation process should also incorporate runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to mitigate the impact of any remaining vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining proper configuration management practices to prevent re-introduction of vulnerable components.