LibreOffice Structured Storage Parser Use-After-Free Vulnerability [CVE-2018-10119]

CVE Number – CVE-2018-10119

A vulnerability in the Structured Storage parser of LibreOffice could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.

The vulnerability exists because the sot/source/sdstor/stgstrms.cxx file of the affected software uses an incorrect integer data type in the StgSmallStrm class. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to open a file that submits malicious input to the targeted system. A successful exploit could cause a use-after-free condition that the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code or cause a DoS condition.

Proof-of-concept (PoC) code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.

LibreOffice has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

• To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker may use misleading language or instructions to persuade a user to open a file that submits malicious input to the targeted system.

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.

  Users are advised not to open email messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in email messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.

  Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.

  Administrators are advised to use an unprivileged account when browsing the Internet.

  Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.

• LibreOffice has released a security advisory at the following link: CVE-2018-10119 Use After Free in Structured Storage parser

• LibreOffice has released software updates at the following link: LibreOffice 5.4.5 and 6.0.1

Duncan

Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.