libssh2 SSH Packet Processing Out-of-Bounds Read Vulnerability [CVE-2019-3861]

CVE Number – CVE-2019-3861

A vulnerability in libssh2 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access sensitive information or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.The vulnerability is due to the improper processing of Secure Shell (SSH) packets by the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to connect to an attacker-controlled SSH server, which would allow the attacker to send SSH packets that submit malicious input to the targeted system. A successful exploit could result in an out-of-bounds read condition, allowing the attacker to access sensitive information or cause a DoS condition.libssh2 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 SSH server in addition to sending SSH packets that submit malicious input to the system. These requirements may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network accessAdministrators 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

• libssh2 has released a security advisory at the following link: CVE-2019-3861

Fixed Software

• libssh2 has released software updates at the following link: libssh2 1.8.1