CVE-2021-29458 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been discovered in Exiv2 versions v0.27.3 and earlier, allowing for an out-of-bounds read when writing metadata into a crafted image file, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-29458

Exiv2, a command-line utility and C++ library for image file metadata manipulation, is affected by this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-29458?

CVE-2021-29458 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Exiv2 that occurs when writing metadata into a manipulated image file. Attackers could exploit this to crash Exiv2, leading to a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29458

The vulnerability affects Exiv2 versions prior to v0.27.4, with potential risks of service disruption if exploited. The issue lies in uncommon metadata writing operations compared to common metadata reading.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29458

This section provides insights into the specific details of the vulnerability in Exiv2.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability results from an out-of-bounds read when writing metadata into a specifically crafted image file, triggering a potential denial of service threat.

Affected Systems and Versions

Exiv2 versions prior to v0.27.4 are impacted by this vulnerability, necessitating immediate action to update to the patched version.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-29458 requires manipulating the image file's metadata to trigger the out-of-bounds read while writing, demonstrating a specific attack vector.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from the CVE-2021-29458 vulnerability involves taking immediate steps and adopting long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Exiv2 to version v0.27.4 or newer to mitigate the risk of exploitation and prevent potential denial of service incidents.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security updates, and monitoring for future advisories are essential for maintaining system resilience.

Patching and Updates

The Exiv2 community has released version v0.27.4 to address the CVE-2021-29458 vulnerability. Users are advised to promptly update to the latest patched version for enhanced security.