USN-6718-3: curl vulnerabilities

Following the initial release detailed in USN-6718-1 that addressed multiple security issues in curl, recent updates bring these crucial fixes to users of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. These ameliorations fortify system defenses against potential exploits, underscoring the ongoing dedication to security within the Ubuntu community.

The original advisory sheds light on two distinct issues discovered in curl. First, there was a concern raised by Dan Fandrich regarding default protocol settings in curl. Specifically, the software would revert to a default set of protocols if a parameter disabled all protocols without adding any new ones, which was contrary to user expectations. This particular issue was found to impact Ubuntu 23.10 exclusively (CVE-2024-2004).

Additionally, a vulnerability was unearthed concerning curl's handling of memory when setting limits on the number of headers, especially when HTTP/2 server push is permitted. An attacker exploiting this flaw could potentially cause curl to excessively consume system resources, provoking a denial of service (DoS) scenario (CVE-2024-2398).

For organizations leveraging Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, staying apprised of these updates and implementing them swiftly is paramount. To maintain optimum security and performance, consider using advanced tools such as LinuxPatch, a tailored patch management platform for Linux servers. With LinuxPatch, continuously monitoring and promptly applying security patches is straightforward, ensuring that all systems are defended against emerging threats.

Stay vigilant and proactive about your cyber defenses by understanding and adapting to these updates. Ensuring your systems are patched with the latest security updates is a critical step towards protecting your digital assets from potential cyber threats.