CVE-2024-29158

What it actually does

Stack buffer overflow in H5FL_arr_malloc corrupts the instruction pointer, enabling denial of service or potential arbitrary code execution when processing malicious input.

Why it matters to the business

Applications using this library for data handling may crash or be compromised via local access to crafted files, disrupting scientific computing, analytics pipelines, and data workflows with high severity if unpatched.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker supplies a specially crafted HDF5 file that triggers H5FL_arr_malloc with oversized input, overflowing the stack buffer and overwriting the instruction pointer to redirect execution or crash the process.

How to fix it

Upgrade the HDF5 library to a version beyond 1.14.3 that resolves the buffer overflow in H5FL_arr_malloc. Rebuild dependent applications against the patched library and validate with security testing.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the library version is updated past 1.14.3, test parsing of known-malformed HDF5 inputs without crashes or unexpected behavior, and review build logs for linkage to fixed binaries.

Typical attack path

1. Identify an application or workflow that parses untrusted HDF5 files using the vulnerable library version.
2. Craft a malicious HDF5 file designed to overflow the buffer in H5FL_arr_malloc.
3. Deliver the file to the target system via local access or file ingestion.
4. Trigger parsing of the file to corrupt the instruction pointer and achieve code execution or denial of service.

How to detect it

Review application logs and crash dumps for segmentation faults or instruction pointer corruption during HDF5 file parsing; examine process memory or core files for signs of stack overflow when handling untrusted inputs.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching HDF5 in all environments processing external data files due to the potential for code execution.
• Restrict processing of untrusted HDF5 files until upgrades are complete.
• Monitor for new library releases and integrate version checks into dependency management.