Stack Buffer Overflow in iconv ISO-2022 Encoding

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves the ISO-2022 encoding module in the iconv(3) function using a stack buffer sized for 6 bytes (MB_LEN_MAX) for character output. Some ISO-2022 variants require up to 10 bytes per character, causing a stack buffer overflow of up to four bytes when converting untrusted input.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check if your system uses FreeBSD and has the affected iconv(3) function with ISO-2022 encoding. Review system logs for crashes or memory corruption during character encoding conversions. Use pkg audit or freebsd-update to verify if patches for SA-26:49.iconv are applied.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

An application using iconv(3) to convert untrusted input to or from affected encodings may be vulnerable to buffer overflows. This could lead to crashes, data corruption, or potential arbitrary code execution if exploited.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by enabling buffer overflow attacks on systems processing untrusted input with affected encodings. Such attacks may lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or denial of service, violating data integrity and confidentiality requirements under these regulations.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade your FreeBSD system using pkg(8), freebsd-update(8), or apply source code patches. Restart affected applications or reboot the system after updating.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0