Ubuntu update for libxml2

1) Use-after-free error

EUVDB-ID: #VU9577

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.6 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-15412

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The weakness exists due to use-after-free error in libXML. A remote attacker can trick the victim into visiting a specially crafted website, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in system compromise.

Mitigation

Update the affected packages

Ubuntu 17.10:

libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-4ubuntu1.2

libxml2-utils 2.9.4+dfsg1-4ubuntu1.2

python-libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-4ubuntu1.2

python3-libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-4ubuntu1.2

Ubuntu 17.04:

libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-2.2ubuntu0.3

libxml2-utils 2.9.4+dfsg1-2.2ubuntu0.3

python-libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-2.2ubuntu0.3

python3-libxml2 2.9.4+dfsg1-2.2ubuntu0.3

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS:

libxml2 2.9.3+dfsg1-1ubuntu0.5

libxml2-utils 2.9.3+dfsg1-1ubuntu0.5

python-libxml2 2.9.3+dfsg1-1ubuntu0.5

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS:

libxml2 2.9.1+dfsg1-3ubuntu4.12

libxml2-utils 2.9.1+dfsg1-3ubuntu4.12

python-libxml2 2.9.1+dfsg1-3ubuntu4.12

Vulnerable software versions

Ubuntu: 14.04 - 17.10

External links

http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-3513-1/

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.