CVE-2020-21684 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A global buffer overflow in the put_font in genpict2e.c of fig2dev 3.2.7b allows attackers to cause a denial of service (DOS) via converting a xfig file into pict2e format.

Understanding CVE-2020-21684

This CVE describes a vulnerability in fig2dev 3.2.7b that can be exploited to perform a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2020-21684?

The vulnerability in the put_font function of genpict2e.c allows malicious actors to trigger a buffer overflow by converting a specific file format, leading to a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-21684

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service condition, potentially disrupting the availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-21684

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a global buffer overflow in the put_font function of genpict2e.c in fig2dev 3.2.7b.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by converting a xfig file into pict2e format, triggering the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-21684 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches or updates provided by the software vendor.
Consider implementing network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious inputs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and systems to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected software is updated to a secure version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability.