CVE-2021-21236 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-21236, a Regular Expression Denial of Service vulnerability in CairoSVG versions before 2.5.1, impacting availability. Find mitigation steps and update information.
CairoSVG is a Python package used for converting SVG files based on Cairo. This CVE-2021-21236 highlights a Regular Expression Denial of Service (REDoS) vulnerability in CairoSVG versions earlier than 2.5.1. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing a malicious SVG file, causing CairoSVG to get stuck processing the file for an extended period of time.
Understanding CVE-2021-21236
This section delves into the details of the Regular Expression Denial of Service vulnerability identified in CairoSVG.
What is CVE-2021-21236?
CVE-2021-21236 is a security vulnerability in CairoSVG versions prior to 2.5.1, allowing attackers to execute Regular Expression Denial of Service attacks by supplying a crafted SVG file. The issue has been addressed in version 2.5.1.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21236
This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5.7, with a Medium severity level. It poses a high impact on availability, requiring low privileges and user interaction.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21236
Explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-21236 to understand the vulnerability better.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from CairoSVG's usage of two vulnerable regular expressions during the processing of SVG files, allowing for potential RDoS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
CairoSVG versions earlier than 2.5.1 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving systems that utilize these versions at risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
By providing a malicious SVG file, threat actors can exploit the vulnerability to cause CairoSVG to hang while processing the file.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21236 and safeguard your systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update CairoSVG to version 2.5.1 or later to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement regular software updates and security patches to defend against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and apply relevant patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.