CVE-2015-1270

What it actually does

The ucnv_io_getConverterName function in ICU mishandles converter names beginning with x- substrings, resulting in a read of uninitialized memory that can trigger denial of service or allow further unspecified memory corruption.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers can crash applications processing untrusted files or data, leading to service outages and potential data exposure on systems using vulnerable ICU libraries until patches are applied.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker crafts a file containing a converter name starting with x- and delivers it to a vulnerable application; when the application parses the file using the affected ICU function, uninitialized memory is read, enabling denial of service or further impact.

How to fix it

Upgrade Google Chrome to version 44.0.2403.89 or later; apply vendor-supplied patches for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, openSUSE, Debian, and Oracle Solaris packages that include the fixed ICU library.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed ICU or Chrome version meets or exceeds the fixed release; re-test file parsing with known-bad converter names and monitor for crashes or memory errors.

Typical attack path

1. Identify a target application that uses a vulnerable ICU version and accepts crafted files or input.
2. Craft a file with a converter name containing an initial x- substring.
3. Deliver the file to the target via email, web upload, or network protocol.
4. Trigger parsing of the file to invoke ucnv_io_getConverterName and read uninitialized memory.

How to detect it

Search application and system logs for crashes or segmentation faults during file parsing involving ICU converter handling; review process dumps for evidence of reads from uninitialized memory regions after malformed converter name processing.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching Chrome and ICU-dependent applications on internet-facing systems.
• Review and update all affected Red Hat, Debian, openSUSE, and Solaris deployments to patched ICU versions.
• Disable unnecessary file-type converters or input sources where feasible until updates are complete.