CVE-2021-23210 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-23210, a divide-by-zero vulnerability in SoX's read_samples() function, enabling attackers to crash applications with crafted files. Learn about affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation strategies.
A floating point exception (divide-by-zero) vulnerability has been identified in SoX (Sound eXchange) in the read_samples() function of the voc.c file. This flaw could be exploited by an attacker using a specially crafted file to crash an application.
Understanding CVE-2021-23210
This section will cover the overview, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-23210.
What is CVE-2021-23210?
The CVE-2021-23210 is a vulnerability in SoX (Sound eXchange) that allows an attacker to trigger a floating point exception by exploiting a divide-by-zero issue in the read_samples() function of the voc.c file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23210
If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition where an attacker could crash the targeted application by providing a malicious file.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23210
Let's dive deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-23210 to understand the vulnerability better.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from a divide-by-zero issue in the read_samples() function of the voc.c file in SoX. An attacker can weaponize this flaw by crafting a specific file to exploit the vulnerability.
Affected Systems and Versions
The SoX software with an unknown version is affected by this vulnerability. Users of SoX are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
By providing a specially crafted file, an attacker can trigger the floating point exception (divide-by-zero) in the read_samples() function of SoX, leading to a crash of the application.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-23210 vulnerability, certain steps need to be taken as outlined below.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are strongly encouraged to update SoX to a patched version or apply available security fixes to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices and regular security audits can help in identifying and addressing similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Keep the SoX software up to date with the latest security patches and versions to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.