CVE-2021-21815 : What You Need to Know
Discover the details of CVE-2021-21815, a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in AT&T Labs Xmill 0.7, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. Learn about the impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in the command-line-parsing HandleFileArg functionality of AT&T Labs' Xmill 0.7, allowing attackers to trigger a stack-buffer overflow by providing malicious input.
Understanding CVE-2021-21815
This section provides an insight into the nature of the CVE-2021-21815 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-21815?
The vulnerability lies in the HandleFileArg function, where user-controlled input is copied into a fixed-size buffer without proper length verification, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21815
With a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High), this vulnerability poses a significant risk, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting the buffer overflow.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21815
Delve into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-21815.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw stems from the unchecked copying of user-supplied data into a fixed-size buffer, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow that can be exploited for malicious purposes.
Affected Systems and Versions
AT&T Labs Xmill 0.7 is known to be impacted by this vulnerability, specifically in the HandleFileArg functionality.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted input via the filepattern argument, which is then copied into the buffer without appropriate boundary checks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-21815.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply relevant security patches as soon as they are made available by AT&T Labs to address the buffer overflow vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, including input validation and proper boundary checks, to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates for AT&T Labs Xmill 0.7 and ensure timely installation of patches to protect systems from potential exploits.