Gnuplot 5.2.5 datafile.c df_generate_ascii_array_entry Long String memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Gnuplot 5.2.5. It has been classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function df_generate_ascii_array_entry of the file datafile.c. Performing a manipulation as part of Long String results in memory corruption. This vulnerability was named CVE-2018-19490. The attack needs to be approached locally. There is no available exploit. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Gnuplot 5.2.5. This affects the function df_generate_ascii_array_entry of the file datafile.c. The manipulation as part of a Long String leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

An issue was discovered in datafile.c in Gnuplot 5.2.5. This issue allows an attacker to conduct a heap-based buffer overflow with an arbitrary amount of data in df_generate_ascii_array_entry. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must pass an overlong string as the right bound of the range argument that is passed to the plot function.

The bug was discovered 11/20/2018. The weakness was presented 11/23/2018 (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at lists.debian.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2018-19490 since 11/23/2018. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. It demands that the victim is doing some kind of user interaction. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit.

The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 3 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $0-$5k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 119123 (Debian DLA-1595-1 : gnuplot5 security update), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Debian Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 176843 (Debian Security Update for gnuplot5 (DLA 1595-1)).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. A possible mitigation has been published 2 days after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (119123). See VDB-127084 and VDB-127085 for similar entries. Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Name

• Gnuplot

Version

• 5.2.5

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