#VU21792 Heap-based buffer overflow in ncurses - CVE-2019-17594

Vulnerability identifier: #VU21792

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.2 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-17594

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
ncurses
Universal components / Libraries / Libraries used by multiple products

Vendor: Free Software Foundation

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error in the "_nc_find_entry" function in "tinfo/comp_hash.c" in the terminfo library. A remote attacker can trigger heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

ncurses: 4.0 - 6.0

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External links
https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-ncurses/2019-10/msg00017.html
https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-ncurses/2019-10/msg00045.html
https://github.com/zjuchenyuan/fuzzpoc/raw/master/infotocap_poc6

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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.