CVE-2017-12178CWE-391

xorg-x11-server before 1.19.5 had wrong extra length check in ProcXIChangeHierarchy function allowing malicious X client to cause X server to crash or possibly…

published January 24, 2018

CVSS
—
EPSS
4%
Percentile
91.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky extra length check is causing trouble! The ProcXIChangeHierarchy function in xorg-x11-server before 1.19.5 allows mischief from malicious X clients — potentially crashing your server or worse! Think of it like a buffet where one guest sneaks in with an oversized plate. They might take more food than intended, causing chaos as the servers struggle to keep up — or even topple over! If exploited, this flaw could lead to an X server crash, halting operations and creating headaches for users. In the worst-case scenario, it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, compromising system integrity and security.

Put simply

Think of it like a buffet where one guest sneaks in with an oversized plate. They might take more food than intended, causing chaos as the servers struggle to keep up — or even topple over! The vulnerability arises from a missing extra length check in the ProcXIChangeHierarchy function, which allows improper handling of requests from malicious clients, leading to instability or code execution.

What to do

If exploited, this flaw could lead to an X server crash, halting operations and creating headaches for users. In the worst-case scenario, it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, compromising system integrity and security. Upgrade your xorg-x11-server to version 1.19.5 or later to close this gap. Regularly review and patch your systems to ensure robust security against potential threats. You've got this! By taking these steps, you'll be safeguarding your systems and keeping them running smoothly. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04423 · 91.3th percentile
Weakness
CWE-391 · Unchecked Error Condition
Published
2018-01-24T15:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 24 JAN 15:00Z
    xorg-x11-server before 1.19.5 had wrong extra length check in ProcXIChangeHierarchy function allowing malicious X client to cause X server to crash or possibly…
    cvelistv5