Vulnerability identifier: #VU21792

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

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
http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-ncurses/2019-10/msg00017.html
http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-ncurses/2019-10/msg00045.html
http://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.