CVE-2021-28667 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-28667, a vulnerability in StackStorm before 3.4.1 causing an infinite loop that consumes memory and disk space. Explore impacts, technical details, and mitigation steps.
StackStorm before 3.4.1 has a vulnerability that can lead to an infinite loop, consuming all available memory and disk space under specific conditions. This issue arises when Python 3.x is utilized, the locale is not utf-8, and there is an effort to log Unicode data.
Understanding CVE-2021-28667
This section delves into the details of CVE-2021-28667.
What is CVE-2021-28667?
CVE-2021-28667 refers to a vulnerability in StackStorm before version 3.4.1 that triggers an infinite loop when certain conditions are met, resulting in the consumption of all memory and disk space.
The Impact of CVE-2021-28667
The impact of this vulnerability can be severe, causing system instability, performance issues, and potential denial of service due to resource exhaustion.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-28667
Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-28667.
Vulnerability Description
StackStorm's version prior to 3.4.1 can encounter an infinite loop that utilizes excessive memory and disk space in specific scenarios, particularly when Python 3.x is in use, the locale is non utf-8, and Unicode data logging is attempted.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected systems include instances running StackStorm versions before 3.4.1 where the aforementioned conditions align, leading to the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting CVE-2021-28667 involves triggering the infinite loop scenario by meeting the specified conditions, resulting in continuous memory and disk usage until system failure occurs.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-28667.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediate actions involve upgrading StackStorm to version 3.4.1 or later, ensuring Python 3.x usage, setting the locale to utf-8, and avoiding logging Unicode data that may trigger the infinite loop.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing long-term security measures involves maintaining up-to-date software versions, monitoring system resources closely, and adhering to secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Regularly apply patches and updates provided by StackStorm to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.