Discover the details of CVE-2021-30485 affecting ezXML 0.8.6 due to incorrect memory handling. Learn about the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation steps.
An insight into CVE-2021-30485 affecting ezXML 0.8.6 due to incorrect memory handling while parsing XML files, leading to a NULL pointer dereference issue.
Understanding CVE-2021-30485
This section provides an overview of the vulnerability and its impact.
What is CVE-2021-30485?
CVE-2021-30485 is a vulnerability found in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6. The flaw occurs in the function ezxml_internal_dtd(), which mishandles memory when parsing specially crafted XML files, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference during the execution of strcmp() on a NULL pointer.
The Impact of CVE-2021-30485
The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system, compromising its integrity and confidentiality.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-30485
Explore the specifics of the vulnerability in this section.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from incorrect memory management in the ezxml_internal_dtd() function, leading to a NULL pointer dereference when processing certain XML files.
Affected Systems and Versions
ezXML 0.8.6 is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, posing a risk to systems utilizing this specific version.
Exploitation Mechanism
By crafting a malicious XML file to trigger the faulty memory handling in ezxml_internal_dtd(), an attacker could exploit the vulnerability to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30485 in this section.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to update ezXML to a patched version or apply vendor-supplied fixes to address the vulnerability promptly.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about software vulnerabilities to enhance overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Keep software and libraries up to date with the latest security patches and fixes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.