CVE-2024-35410 Vulnerability: Managing the Heap Overflow Issue in wac

Published on: 11-08-2024 By Soc Team

CVE-2024-35410: Understanding the Heap Overflow Vulnerability

The dossier on CVE-2024-35410 reveals a critical heap overflow vulnerability located in the wac project's interpret function. This was discovered within the code commit 385e1, specifically affecting the file /wac-asan/wa.c. Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to potentially trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) through a specially crafted WebAssembly (wasm) file.

Heap overflow occurs when data goes beyond the allocated memory space in the heap. This can overwrite adjacent memory, causing unpredictable behavior or crashes. In this case, the vulnerability lies in the WebAssembly computation, where malicious actors can leverage crafted inputs to initiate a DoS.

Affected Versions and References

It's important to note that the specific vendor and product details are marked as n/a, indicating a broader application context or undetermined specifics at this stage. Nevertheless, stakeholders should treat all potential instances originating from similar foundational designs cautiously.

The vulnerability is thoroughly documented with discussions and proof-of-concept exploits available at:

Mitigation Strategies for Heap Overflow Vulnerabilities

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2024-35410 involves several strategic actions:

  • Code Review and Refactoring: Conduct comprehensive code audits in the affected areas, particularly focusing on input handling and memory allocation within the wac project. Implement bounds checks and defensive programming practices to ensure memory operations adhere strictly to allocated limits.
  • Input Validation: Rigorously validate and sanitize inputs before processing, especially when dealing with wasm files, to prevent malicious data from exploiting memory operations.
  • Patch and Update: Stay informed with updates from the community or trusted sources related to the wac project. Applying patches or adopting the latest secure versions can resolve known vulnerabilities.
  • Use of Compiler Options: Employ AddressSanitizer (asan) or other memory-checking tools during development to dynamically detect and mitigate heap overflow occurrences.
  • Conclusion

    While vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-35410 pose significant risks, effective vulnerability management involves astute code practices, vigilant input handling, and staying abreast of patches. By following these mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to exploitation, ensuring a more secure operational environment.