CVE-2016-6559 The BSD libc library's link_ntoa() function may be vulnerable to a classic buffer overflow
A buffer overflow in BSD libc's link_ntoa function allows memory read/write, though exploitation is unlikely due to lack of vulnerable callers.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2016-6559?
CVE-2016-6559 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in Freebsd Freebsd, published on 13 Jul 2018. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Improper bounds checking of the obuf variable in the link_ntoa() function in linkaddr.c of the BSD libc library may allow an attacker to read or write from memory. The full impact and severity depends on the method of exploit and how the library is used by applications. According to analysis by FreeBSD developers, it is very unlikely that applications exist that utilize link_ntoa() in an exploitable manner, and the CERT/CC is not aware of any proof of concept. A blog post describes the functionality of link_ntoa() and points out that none of the base utilities use this function in an exploitable manner. For more information, please see FreeBSD Security Advisory SA-16:37.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-6559?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Freebsd Freebsd.
How do I fix CVE-2016-6559?
No fix has been published for CVE-2016-6559 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2016-6559 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-6559 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Freebsd Freebsd
Sources
Also known as GHSA-hxwf-fxc3-j23c.