CVE-2017-2885: Buffer Overflow

Published Aug 8, 2017
·
Updated

A stack based buffer overflow vulnerability has been reported in GNOME libsoup 2.58. The flaw is caused due to a boundary error within the "soupfilterinputstreamreaduntil()" function when parsing chunk encoded HTTP traffic and affects both the server and client functionality of libsoup.

A remote attacker could exploit this flaw to cause a crash or, potentially, execute arbitrary code by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to a server using the libsoup HTTP server functionality or by tricking a user into connecting to a malicious HTTP server with an application using the libsoup HTTP client functionality.

Please note that the libsoup packages as shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 contain a "stack smashing protection" mitigation for the relevant function, which makes exploitation significantly harder. Thus, in most cases an exploitation attempt should be mitigated to a mere crash. However, successful exploitation to execute arbitrary code can't be ruled out entirely.

Other sources

An exploitable stack based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the GNOME libsoup 2.58. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause a stack overflow resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can send a special HTTP request to the vulnerable server to trigger this vulnerability.

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
debian/libsoup2.4
2.64.2-22.72.0-22.74.3-1
redhat/libsoup<2.59.90.1
2.59.90.1
redhat/libsoup<2.58.2
2.58.2
Gnome libsoup=2.58
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.4
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.4
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.5
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Tus=7.4
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=7.0

Event History

Aug 10, 2017
Data Sourced
12:39 PM
SeverityAffected Software
Apr 24, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2017-2885?

CVE-2017-2885 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause a stack-based buffer overflow.

2

How do I fix CVE-2017-2885?

To fix CVE-2017-2885, upgrade your libsoup package to version 2.64.2-2 or later if using Debian, or 2.59.90.1 or later if using Red Hat.

3

Which versions are affected by CVE-2017-2885?

Affected versions of libsoup include versions up to 2.58 for Debian and versions prior to 2.59.90.1 for Red Hat.

4

Is CVE-2017-2885 still exploitable in the latest versions?

No, CVE-2017-2885 is not exploitable in the latest versions of libsoup, as they have patched the buffer overflow vulnerability.

5

Do both server and client components of libsoup need updates for CVE-2017-2885?

Yes, both server and client components of libsoup are affected and require updates to mitigate the CVE-2017-2885 vulnerability.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203