Out-of-bounds Read SNYK-DEBIAN8-LIBSSH2-340731
Out-of-bounds Read SNYK-DEBIAN8-LIBSSH2-340731: A Critical Vulnerability in libssh2
NVD Description
Note: Versions mentioned in the description apply only to the upstream libssh2
package and not the libssh2
package as distributed by Debian
.
See How to fix?
for Debian:8
relevant fixed versions and status.
An out-of-bounds read flaw was discovered in libssh2 before 1.8.1 in the way SSH packets with a padding length value greater than the packet length are parsed. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker who compromises a SSH server to cause a Denial of Service or read data in the client memory. The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt the normal functioning of the system.
Impact of the Vulnerability
The out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2 can have severe consequences, including:
- Denial of Service (DoS): An attacker can cause the system to crash or become unresponsive, leading to a loss of productivity and potential data loss.
- Information Disclosure: An attacker can read sensitive information from the client memory, including passwords, encryption keys, and other confidential data.
- Unauthorized Access: An attacker can gain unauthorized access to the system, allowing them to perform malicious actions, such as deleting or modifying files, or executing arbitrary code.
Remediation
To mitigate the out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2, it is essential to upgrade the Debian:8
libssh2
package to version 1.4.3-4.1+deb8u2 or higher. This update includes a patch that fixes the vulnerability and prevents an attacker from exploiting it.
References
The following resources provide additional information on the out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2:
- https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2019-3861
- https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2019/Apr/25
- https://www.debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4431
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/03/msg00032.html
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5DK6VO2CEUTAJFYIKWNZKEKYMYR3NO2O/
- https://www.libssh2.org/CVE-2019-3861.html
- https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2019-5072832.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20190327-0005/
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-03/msg00040.html
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-04/msg00003.html
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:2136
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-3861
- http://people.ubuntu.com/~ubuntu-security/cve/CVE-2019-3861
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5DK6VO2CEUTAJFYIKWNZKEKYMYR3NO2O/
Conclusion
The out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2 is a critical vulnerability that can have severe consequences if exploited. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to upgrade the Debian:8
libssh2
package to version 1.4.3-4.1+deb8u2 or higher. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the system up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.
Out-of-bounds Read SNYK-DEBIAN8-LIBSSH2-340731: A Critical Vulnerability in libssh2 - Q&A
Q: What is the out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2?
A: The out-of-bounds read flaw in libssh2 is a vulnerability that allows a remote attacker to read data from the client memory by exploiting a flaw in the way SSH packets with a padding length value greater than the packet length are parsed.
Q: What is the impact of this vulnerability?
A: The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt the normal functioning of the system. This can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS), information disclosure, or unauthorized access to the system.
Q: How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability?
A: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted SSH packet with a padding length value greater than the packet length. This can cause the system to read data from the client memory, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Q: What is the recommended remediation for this vulnerability?
A: The recommended remediation for this vulnerability is to upgrade the Debian:8
libssh2
package to version 1.4.3-4.1+deb8u2 or higher. This update includes a patch that fixes the vulnerability and prevents an attacker from exploiting it.
Q: Are there any other ways to mitigate this vulnerability?
A: Yes, there are other ways to mitigate this vulnerability, including:
- Keeping the system up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates
- Implementing additional security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Using secure protocols, such as SSH with encryption
- Limiting access to sensitive information and systems
Q: What are the consequences of not patching this vulnerability?
A: The consequences of not patching this vulnerability can be severe, including:
- Unauthorized access to sensitive information
- Disruption of the normal functioning of the system
- Denial of Service (DoS)
- Information disclosure
Q: How can I verify that the vulnerability has been patched?
A: To verify that the vulnerability has been patched, you can:
- Check the version of the
libssh2
package installed on your system - Verify that the patch has been applied to the
libssh2
package - Run a vulnerability scan to detect any remaining vulnerabilities
Q: What are the best practices for preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future?
A: The best practices for preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future include:
- Keeping the system up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates
- Implementing additional security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Using secure protocols, such as SSH with encryption
- Limiting access to sensitive information and systems
- Conducting regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing
Q: Where can I find more information on this vulnerability?
A: You can find more information on this vulnerability at the following resources:
- https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2019-3861
- https://seclists.org/bugq/2019/Apr/25
- https://www.debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4431
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/03/msg00032.html
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5DK6VO2CEUTAJFYIKWNZKEKYMYR3NO2O/
- https://www.libssh2.org/CVE-2019-3861.html
- https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuoct2019-5072832.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20190327-0005/
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-03/msg00040.html
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-04/msg00003.html
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:2136
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-3861
- http://people.ubuntu.com/~ubuntu-security/cve/CVE-2019-3861
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5DK6VO2CEUTAJFYIKWNZKEKYMYR3NO2O/