CVE-2024-34459
CVE-2024-34459 is a buffer over-read vulnerability in xmllint, a command-line tool from the libxml2 library. This issue affects versions before 2.11.8 and 2.12.x before 2.12.7. Specifically, the vulnerability occurs when formatting error messages with the --htmlout option, leading to an out-of-bounds read in the xmlHTMLPrintFileContext function within xmllint.c.
While the CVSS score is 0, SOCRadar's SVRS gives this vulnerability a score of 30. Despite the low score, the "In The Wild" tag indicates active exploitation, and should still be checked and addressed. Successful exploitation could lead to a denial-of-service or potentially information disclosure, depending on the system's architecture and memory layout. Although the risk isn't critical, organizations using affected versions of libxml2 should update to the patched versions to mitigate potential security risks.
Description
CVE-2024-34459 is a vulnerability affecting xmllint (part of libxml2) versions prior to 2.11.8 and 2.12.x versions before 2.12.7. This vulnerability allows attackers to potentially exploit a buffer over-read vulnerability within the xmlHTMLPrintFileContext function in xmllint.c by crafting malicious XML documents specifically designed to trigger the error message formatting with the --htmlout option.
While the CVSS score is 7.5, indicating a high severity, the SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) is 30, suggesting a moderate level of risk. This discrepancy highlights that while the vulnerability itself is potentially serious, active exploitation in the wild and the existence of readily available exploits haven't been widely observed.
Key Insights
- Buffer Over-read Vulnerability: The vulnerability resides in the
xmlHTMLPrintFileContextfunction withinxmllint.c. It allows an attacker to trigger a buffer over-read by manipulating the error message formatting with--htmlout. This could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. - Active Exploitation: The CVE data indicates the vulnerability is being "In The Wild," suggesting it is actively exploited by attackers. This requires immediate attention and mitigation measures to prevent potential breaches.
- Exploit Availability: While the specific exploit code is not publicly available, the information suggests that exploit development is likely underway.
- Potential Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to various malicious actions, including data exfiltration, system compromise, and denial of service attacks.
Mitigation Strategies
- Update to Latest Version: Immediately upgrade xmllint (libxml2) to versions 2.11.8 or 2.12.7 or later, which address the vulnerability. This should be prioritized across all affected systems.
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation mechanisms to sanitize incoming XML data and prevent malicious inputs from triggering the vulnerable function.
- Security Monitoring: Continuously monitor systems for suspicious activity, including unexpected process creation, network traffic patterns, and unauthorized access attempts.
- Security Awareness: Train users on best security practices to prevent inadvertent exploitation of the vulnerability.
Additional Information
If users have additional queries regarding this incident, they can use the 'Ask to Analyst' feature, contact SOCRadar directly, or open a support ticket for more information if necessary.
Indicators of Compromise
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Affected Software
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CWE Details
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