c-ares: Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input
CVE-2022-4904 is a high-severity improper validation of specified quantity in input vulnerability in c-ares, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.23% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 69% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of c-ares you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-ares | c-ares | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Software Collections | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux | 8.0; 9.0 | Not stated |
| Fedora Project | Fedora | 36 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A flaw was found in the c-ares package. The ares_set_sortlist is missing checks about the validity of the input string, which allows a possible arbitrary length stack overflow. This issue may cause a denial of service or a limited impact on confidentiality and integrity.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input
The product receives input that is expected to specify a quantity (such as size or length), but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the quantity has the required properties.
More Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input vulnerabilities (CWE-1284)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2168631Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/c-ares/c-ares/issues/496Exploit, Issue Tracking
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in c-ares
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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