CVE-2008-5050

Off-by-one error in the get_unicode_name function (libclamav/vba_extract.c) in Clam Anti-Virus (ClamAV) before 0.94.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial…

published November 13, 2008

CVSS
—
EPSS
8%
Percentile
94.9
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ An off-by-one error is the culprit here! In ClamAV prior to version 0.94.1, a simple mistake in the get_unicode_name function can allow attackers to send a malicious VBA file that causes a crash or even worse—execute arbitrary code! Think of it like a chef who mismeasures a single spice, throwing off the entire recipe—too much heat, and the dish is ruined. The same goes for this vulnerability; a tiny error in the code can lead to a massive crash of the system, or worse! An attacker could send a specially crafted VBA project file to cause a denial of service, meaning your antivirus could just quit on you at the worst possible moment. In a worst-case scenario, this could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code, leading to significant security risks and data breaches—yikes!

Put simply

Think of it like a chef who mismeasures a single spice, throwing off the entire recipe—too much heat, and the dish is ruined. The same goes for this vulnerability; a tiny error in the code can lead to a massive crash of the system, or worse! This vulnerability stems from an off-by-one error in the get_unicode_name function within libclamav, which can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow when processing malformed VBA project files. This flaw allows for a potential denial of service or unauthorized code execution.

What to do

An attacker could send a specially crafted VBA project file to cause a denial of service, meaning your antivirus could just quit on you at the worst possible moment. In a worst-case scenario, this could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code, leading to significant security risks and data breaches—yikes! To protect yourself, upgrade ClamAV to version 0.94.1 or later immediately. It's vital to keep your antivirus up to date, as this ensures you have the latest patches against vulnerabilities. Regularly audit your system for any other outdated software as well! You've got this! Update your ClamAV today and stay secure! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.08263 · 94.9th percentile
Published
2008-11-13T01:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 NOV 01:00Z
    Off-by-one error in the get_unicode_name function (libclamav/vba_extract.c) in Clam Anti-Virus (ClamAV) before 0.94.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial…
    cvelistv5