CVE-2021-23191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-23191, a vulnerability in htmldoc v1.9.12 and earlier versions leading to denial of service. Learn about mitigation and prevention strategies.
A security issue was discovered in htmldoc v1.9.12 and earlier versions, potentially leading to denial of service due to a NULL pointer dereference in the image_load_jpeg() function in image.cxx.
Understanding CVE-2021-23191
This CVE relates to a vulnerability found in htmldoc software that could be exploited to cause denial of service.
What is CVE-2021-23191?
CVE-2021-23191 is a security flaw identified in htmldoc v1.9.12 and earlier versions that could result in a NULL pointer dereference, impacting the availability of the service.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23191
The vulnerability could potentially be abused by attackers to trigger a denial of service condition, affecting the normal operation of the software.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23191
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The security issue resides in the image_load_jpeg() function within the image.cxx file of htmldoc, allowing for the exploitation of a NULL pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
Systems running htmldoc versions prior to v1.9.12 are vulnerable to this security flaw.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the NULL pointer dereference in the image_load_jpeg() function, leading to a denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn about the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-23191.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update htmldoc to version 1.9.12 or later to address the security vulnerability and prevent potential denial of service attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
It is crucial for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to security by regularly monitoring for software updates and promptly applying patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by software vendors, ensuring timely implementation to enhance the overall security posture of the system.