Buffer Overflow in microtar Due to Unchecked Filename Length

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a stack buffer overflow in microtar's mtar_write_file_header() and mtar_write_dir_header() functions. These functions copy a filename into a 100-byte buffer without checking if the filename exceeds 99 characters. If an attacker provides a filename longer than 99 characters, it overflows the buffer on the stack.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking if your system uses microtar and if the vulnerable functions mtar_write_file_header() or mtar_write_dir_header() are called with filenames longer than 99 characters. Review source code for strcpy(h.name, name) usage in microtar.c. No specific commands are provided in the context.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or data corruption. Attackers could exploit it by providing malicious filenames to applications using microtar, potentially gaining control over the affected system.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to arbitrary code execution due to stack buffer overflow, potentially exposing sensitive data processed by applications using microtar. This may violate GDPR's integrity and confidentiality requirements or HIPAA's safeguards for protected health information if exploited.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update microtar to the latest version if available. If using the library, ensure all filenames passed to mtar_write_file_header() or mtar_write_dir_header() are validated to be under 100 characters. Consider replacing strcpy with strncpy or similar safer functions.

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