rdesktop lspci_process() Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Memory Corruption Vulnerability [CVE-2018-20179]

CVE Number – CVE-2018-20179

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

The vulnerability is due to an integer underflow condition that could lead to a heap-based buffer overflow condition in the lspci_process() function of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user who is using a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client on a targeted system to connect to an attacker-controlled RDP server. A successful exploit could trigger memory corruption that the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code or cause a DoS condition.rdesktop has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker may use misleading language or instructions to persuade a user to connect to a malicious RDP server.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
  
  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
  
  Administrators are advised to use an unprivileged account when browsing the Internet.
  
  Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
  
  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.

Vendor Announcements

• rdesktop has released a git commit at the following link: commit 4dca546d04321a610c1835010b5dad85163b65e1

Fixed Software

• rdesktop has released software updates at the following link: rdesktop 1.8.4