Advisory: Open-Source Compression Library Libarchive Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2019-18408)

Advisory: Open-Source Compression Library Libarchive Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2019-18408)

novembro 19, 2019 | Adeline Zhang

Overview

Recently, a code execution vulnerability (CVE-2019-18408) was disclosed in the security update of Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo and other distributions.

Libarchive is an open source compression library that is widely used for accessing a large number of compressed file formats. It is included by default in Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Arch Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD distributions. Some commonly used command line tools such as tar, cpio, zcat, etc. also use libarchive.

archive_read_format_rar_read_data in archive_read_support_format_rar.c in libarchive before 3.4.0 has a use-after-free in a certain ARCHIVE_FAILED situation. Attackers use well-constructed compressed files that may be executed when affected users read these malicious compressed files using Libarchive or Libarchive-containing software.

Several released versions of Linux and FreeBSD fixed this vulnerability last week. Although Libarchive is also included in Mac OS X and Windows 10, the vulnerability does not affect both operating systems

References

https://www.zdnet.com/article/libarchive-vulnerability-can-lead-to-code-execution-on-linux-freebsd-netbsd/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

Affected Products and Versions

  • Libarchive Version < 3.4.0

Unaffected Products and Versions

  • Libarchive Version == 3.4.0(up to date)

Solution

The latest version of the vulnerability has been fixed by the Libarchive team and it is recommended that affected users download and update as soon as possible at the following link.

https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/releases/tag/v3.4.0

See the release security update information for details:

Statement

This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.

About NSFOCUS  

NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.

NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).

A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Information Technology Co. Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.