CVE-2021-28090 : What You Need to Know

Tor before version 0.4.5.7 has been identified with CVE-2021-28090, allowing a remote attacker to trigger an assertion failure in Tor directory authorities. This vulnerability has been reported as TROVE-2021-002.

Understanding CVE-2021-28090

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-28090 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-28090?

The CVE-2021-28090 vulnerability in Tor versions prior to 0.4.5.7 enables a remote attacker to compel Tor directory authorities to crash with an assertion failure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28090

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious actors to disrupt Tor directory authorities leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition or potential execution of arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28090

In this section, we will explore the technical specifics of the CVE-2021-28090 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Tor versions before 0.4.5.7 allows remote attackers to exploit directory authorities, causing them to crash due to an assertion failure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Tor versions prior to 0.4.5.7 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted requests, remote attackers can trigger the assertion failure in Tor directory authorities, leading to a service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigation strategies are crucial to address the CVE-2021-28090 vulnerability effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update Tor to version 0.4.5.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software, monitoring for security advisories, and implementing network security measures are essential for long-term protection.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Tor Project and promptly apply patches to ensure the safety of the systems.