CVE-2014-4975: Buffer Overflow

Published Jul 10, 2014
·
Updated

A possible stack-based buffer overflow flaw was reported in the Ruby encodes() function from pack.c. From the bug report, this function may be used on data received from a server, and could be triggered remotely.

As the affected stack buffer is a static size on the stack, FORTIFYSOURCE may help mitigate this issue to only be a denial of service.

The original report suggests older versions (such as 1.9.3) are not affected.

Bug report: https://bugs.ruby-lang.org/issues/10019

CVE request: http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/07/09/13

Other sources

Off-by-one error in the encodes function in pack.c in Ruby 1.9.3 and earlier, and 2.x through 2.1.2, when using certain format string specifiers, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (segmentation fault) via vectors that trigger a stack-based buffer overflow.

MITRE

Affected Software

23 affected components
ruby-lang Ruby<=1.9.3
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-p0
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-p195
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-p247
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-preview1
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-preview2
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-rc1
ruby-lang Ruby=2.0.0-rc2
ruby-lang Ruby=2.1
ruby-lang Ruby=2.1-preview1
ruby-lang Ruby=2.1.1
ruby-lang Ruby=2.1.2
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Hpc Node=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=7.0
Debian Debian Linux=7.0
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=12.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.10

Event History

Jul 10, 2014
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·06:13 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Nov 15, 2014
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2014-4975?

The severity of CVE-2014-4975 is considered high due to the potential for a stack-based buffer overflow that may be triggered remotely.

2

How do I fix CVE-2014-4975?

To fix CVE-2014-4975, upgrade Ruby to version 2.1 or later, as earlier versions are affected by this vulnerability.

3

What versions of Ruby are affected by CVE-2014-4975?

CVE-2014-4975 affects Ruby versions up to and including 1.9.3 and specific 2.0.x versions.

4

Can CVE-2014-4975 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2014-4975 can be exploited remotely if an application using the vulnerable Ruby function handles untrusted input.

5

What impact does CVE-2014-4975 have on systems?

The impact of CVE-2014-4975 may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, compromising its security.

Contact

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