CVE-2021-28848 : Security Advisory and Response

Mintty before version 3.4.5 is susceptible to a denial of service vulnerability that allows remote servers to cause a Windows GUI hang. The issue arises when the Mintty window is instructed to rapidly change its title, resulting in excessive calls to SetWindowTextA or SetWindowTextW without implementing a delay.

Understanding CVE-2021-28848

This section will delve into the details regarding CVE-2021-28848.

What is CVE-2021-28848?

CVE-2021-28848 affects Mintty versions before 3.4.5, enabling remote servers to trigger a denial of service through continuous rapid title changes, leading to a Windows GUI hang.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28848

The vulnerability poses a risk of service disruption on Windows systems, potentially exploited by malicious actors to cause a denial of service and disrupt normal system operation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28848

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-28848 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Mintty before 3.4.5 allows remote servers to cause a denial of service (Windows GUI hang) by repeatedly changing the Mintty window title at high speed, resulting in multiple SetWindowTextA or SetWindowTextW calls without implementing a delay mechanism.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Mintty versions before 3.4.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote servers can exploit this vulnerability by instructing the Mintty window to change its title rapidly, leading to a high volume of SetWindowTextA or SetWindowTextW calls.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we will discuss the actions to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-28848.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Mintty to version 3.4.5 or above to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular updates and security patches, as well as monitoring for any abnormal system behavior, can enhance long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Mintty users should regularly check for updates and apply patches to ensure the software is up-to-date with the latest security fixes.