CVE-2021-23900 : What You Need to Know

OWASP json-sanitizer before version 1.2.2 is susceptible to a vulnerability that can result in invalid JSON output or trigger an undeclared exception for specifically crafted input. This flaw could potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack if the affected application is not adequately equipped to handle such scenarios.

Understanding CVE-2021-23900

This section delves into the key aspects of CVE-2021-23900, shedding light on its implications and impact.

What is CVE-2021-23900?

CVE-2021-23900 pertains to a security issue found in OWASP json-sanitizer prior to version 1.2.2. The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of an application by generating invalid JSON or causing unexpected exceptions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23900

The impact of this vulnerability lies in its potential to facilitate denial of service attacks if exploited successfully. Applications utilizing the affected versions of OWASP json-sanitizer may become unresponsive or exhibit erratic behavior when subjected to malicious input.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23900

In this section, we delve into the technical specifics of CVE-2021-23900, outlining the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OWASP json-sanitizer before 1.2.2 allows for the generation of invalid JSON or unhandled exceptions when processing crafted input. This behavior can be leveraged by threat actors to disrupt the normal functioning of applications.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of OWASP json-sanitizer prior to 1.2.2 are impacted by CVE-2021-23900. Applications utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of encountering DoS conditions due to malformed JSON output.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious entities can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted input to the json-sanitizer component, triggering errors or exceptions that could potentially lead to service disruptions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides recommendations on how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-23900, offering immediate steps and long-term security practices to safeguard against such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-23900, organizations are advised to update OWASP json-sanitizer to version 1.2.2 or later. Implement input validation mechanisms to detect and handle malformed JSON input.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about updates and patches for the software components they rely on.

Patching and Updates

Frequent monitoring of security advisories and applying patches promptly is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-23900. Regularly updating software components helps mitigate the risk of exploitation and ensures a more secure environment.