CVE-2021-23981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object could have confused the WebGL code to skip binding the buffer used to unpack it, resulting in memory corruption and a potentially exploitable information leak or crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 78.9, Firefox < 87, and Thunderbird < 78.9.

Understanding CVE-2021-23981

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox ESR, Firefox, and Thunderbird that could lead to memory corruption and potential exploits.

What is CVE-2021-23981?

CVE-2021-23981 involves a texture upload issue in a Pixel Buffer Object that may cause confusion in WebGL code, leading to memory corruption and a risk of information leakage or system crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23981

The impact of this CVE includes the potential for an attacker to exploit the memory corruption issue to leak sensitive information or cause the system to crash, posing a security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23981

This section provides specific technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object that confuses WebGL code, skipping the binding of the buffer used for unpacking, which can result in memory corruption.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Firefox ESR versions prior to 78.9, Firefox versions below 87, and Thunderbird versions under 78.9 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the texture upload process, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to trigger memory corruption and potentially extract sensitive information or disrupt system functionality.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from the CVE-2021-23981 vulnerability requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Mozilla Firefox ESR, Firefox, and Thunderbird to versions 78.9 and 87, respectively, to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software can enhance system security and prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Vendors release security patches to address such vulnerabilities, and it is crucial for users to apply these patches promptly to safeguard their systems.