Loop With Unreachable Exit Condition ('Infinite Loop') SNYK-DEBIAN8-LIBXML2-542925

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Introduction

In this article, we will discuss a critical vulnerability in the libxml2 library, specifically the xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c, which has an infinite loop in a certain end-of-file situation. This vulnerability is identified as SNYK-DEBIAN8-LIBXML2-542925 and affects the libxml2 package in Debian 8.

NVD Description

Note: Versions mentioned in the description apply only to the upstream libxml2 package and not the libxml2 package as distributed by Debian.

See How to fix? for Debian:8 relevant fixed versions and status.

The xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c in libxml2 2.9.10 has an infinite loop in a certain end-of-file situation. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack.

Remediation

Unfortunately, there is no fixed version for Debian:8 libxml2. This means that users of libxml2 in Debian 8 are vulnerable to this attack and should take alternative measures to mitigate the risk.

References

Mitigation Strategies

While there is no fixed version for Debian:8 libxml2, there are some mitigation strategies that can be employed to reduce the risk of this vulnerability:

  1. Disable the vulnerable function: If possible, disable the xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c to prevent it from being used.
  2. Use a different library: Consider using a different library that is not vulnerable to this issue.
  3. Apply a patch: If a patch is available, apply it to the libxml2 package to fix the vulnerability.
  4. Use a secure configuration: Ensure that the libxml2 package is configured securely to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Conclusion

Q: What is the vulnerability in the libxml2 library?

A: The xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c in libxml2 2.9.10 has an infinite loop in a certain end-of-file situation, which can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack.

Q: What is the impact of this vulnerability?

A: This vulnerability can cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, which can lead to a system crash or a service disruption.

Q: Is this vulnerability specific to libxml2?

A: No, this vulnerability is not specific to libxml2. However, it is a critical vulnerability in the libxml2 library.

Q: What is the affected version of libxml2?

A: The affected version of libxml2 is 2.9.10.

Q: Is there a fixed version of libxml2 available?

A: Unfortunately, there is no fixed version of libxml2 available for Debian:8.

Q: What are the mitigation strategies for this vulnerability?

A: The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include:

  1. Disable the vulnerable function: If possible, disable the xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c to prevent it from being used.
  2. Use a different library: Consider using a different library that is not vulnerable to this issue.
  3. Apply a patch: If a patch is available, apply it to the libxml2 package to fix the vulnerability.
  4. Use a secure configuration: Ensure that the libxml2 package is configured securely to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Q: How can I protect my system from this vulnerability?

A: To protect your system from this vulnerability, follow the mitigation strategies outlined above. Additionally, ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.

Q: What are the references for this vulnerability?

A: The references for this vulnerability include:

Q: Where can I find more information about this vulnerability?

A: You can find more information about this vulnerability on the following websites: