CVE-2021-21417 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-21417, a high-severity vulnerability in fluidsynth software synthesizer, triggered by a use after free issue when handling invalid SoundFont files. Find out the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
A software synthesizer based on the SoundFont 2 specifications, fluidsynth, is prone to a use after free vulnerability triggered when loading an invalid SoundFont file.
Understanding CVE-2021-21417
This vulnerability affects the software synthesizer fluidsynth due to a use after free violation that can occur when parsing a corrupted SoundFont file.
What is CVE-2021-21417?
CVE-2021-21417 is a security flaw in fluidsynth, allowing an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting a use after free vulnerability.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21417
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.2. It could lead to the compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21417
The technical details of CVE-2021-21417 include vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is caused by a use after free issue in the fluidsynth software synthesizer, triggered when processing a specifically crafted SoundFont file.
Affected Systems and Versions
Systems running fluidsynth versions prior to 2.1.8 are vulnerable to CVE-2021-21417.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access to the targeted system and loading a malicious or malformed SoundFont file.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-21417, users and administrators should follow immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure systems are updated to fluidsynth version 2.1.8 or later. Restrict access to vulnerable systems and avoid loading untrusted SoundFont files.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update software and maintain awareness of security advisories related to fluidsynth. Consider implementing secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches provided by FluidSynth promptly to address the use after free vulnerability in fluidsynth.