#VU39477 Buffer overflow in R programming language - CVE-2016-8714

Vulnerability identifier: #VU39477

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 4.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-8714

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
R programming language
Universal components / Libraries / Programming Languages & Components

Vendor: R Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.

An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the LoadEncoding functionality of the R programming language version 3.3.0. A specially crafted R script can cause a buffer overflow resulting in a memory corruption. An attacker can send a malicious R script to trigger this vulnerability.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

R programming language: 3.3.0 - 3.3.2

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External links
https://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3813
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96785
https://www.talosintelligence.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0227/

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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.