CVE-2021-22570 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been discovered in Protobuf by Google, allowing for a nullptr dereference when a null char is present in a proto symbol. This can lead to an unchecked call into the proto file's name during the generation of the resulting error message, potentially resulting in a nullptr file. It is recommended to upgrade to version 3.15.0 or later.

Understanding CVE-2021-22570

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2021-22570.

What is CVE-2021-22570?

CVE-2021-22570 is a vulnerability in Protobuf that leads to a nullptr dereference when a null char is found in a proto symbol, causing incorrect parsing of the symbol and potentially resulting in a nullptr file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22570

The impact of this vulnerability could allow attackers to exploit the error message generation process and potentially lead to a nullptr file, impacting the integrity and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22570

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-22570.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from incorrect parsing of symbols in Protobuf, specifically when a null char is encountered, leading to a nullptr symbol and potential error message generation flaws.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google LLC's Protobuf versions less than 3.15.0 are affected by this vulnerability, especially custom installations of unspecified versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves triggering the error message generation process in Protobuf by inserting a null char in a proto symbol, causing a nullptr dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-22570, certain steps can be taken to enhance security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Protobuf version 3.15.0 or greater to address the vulnerability and prevent nullptr dereference attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components, conduct security audits, and implement best practices to ensure ongoing protection against vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches and updates from vendors to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.