CVE-2021-23206 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed look into CVE-2021-23206, a vulnerability found in htmldoc version 1.9.12 and earlier, leading to a stack buffer overflow with potential code execution and denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2021-23206

This section delves into the nature of the CVE-2021-23206 vulnerability in htmldoc.

What is CVE-2021-23206?

The CVE-2021-23206 vulnerability is a stack buffer overflow in the parse_table() function within ps-pdf.cxx of htmldoc versions 1.9.12 and prior. Exploitation of this flaw could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code and cause denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23206

The impact of CVE-2021-23206 is severe, as threat actors can exploit the stack buffer overflow to execute malicious code and disrupt services, potentially leading to a compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23206

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-23206 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a stack buffer overflow in the parse_table() function within ps-pdf.cxx of htmldoc versions 1.9.12 and earlier.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerable versions include htmldoc v1.9.12 and prior, while the fixed version is v1.9.12 or later.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input to trigger the stack buffer overflow, leading to arbitrary code execution and denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-23206 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update htmldoc to version 1.9.12 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Ensure firewall and access controls are in place to limit exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain regular software updates and security patches, conduct security audits, and implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from htmldoc and related vendors, promptly apply patches, and monitor for any unusual activity on the network.