Vulnerability identifier: #VU8660

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-14491

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Dnsmasq
Server applications / DNS servers

Vendor: GNU

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to boundary error in dnsmasq.c file when processing DNS replies. A remote unauthenticated attacker can send specially crafted DNS packets to the affected service, trigger heap-based buffer overflow by 2 bytes and crash the service or execute arbitrary code on the target system.

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

Mitigation
Update to version 2.78.

Vulnerable software versions

Dnsmasq: 0.4 - 2.77

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External links
http://lists.thekelleys.org.uk/pipermail/dnsmasq-discuss/2017q4/011771.html
http://security.googleblog.com/2017/10/behind-masq-yet-more-dns-and-dhcp.html

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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.