CVE-2021-31525 : What You Need to Know

Net/http in Go before 1.15.12 and 1.16.x before 1.16.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (panic) via a large header to ReadRequest or ReadResponse. Server, Transport, and Client can each be affected in some configurations.

Understanding CVE-2021-31525

This vulnerability affects the Go programming language versions prior to 1.15.12 and 1.16.4, potentially leading to a denial of service when processing large headers.

What is CVE-2021-31525?

CVE-2021-31525 is a vulnerability in the net/http package in Go, where remote attackers can trigger a panic or denial of service by sending a large header to the ReadRequest or ReadResponse functions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31525

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to a complete denial of service, affecting the availability of server, transport, or client components in specific configurations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31525

Below are the key technical details of CVE-2021-31525:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the net/http package in Go, causing a panic and resulting in a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Go versions before 1.15.12 and 1.16.4 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this CVE by sending a large header to the ReadRequest or ReadResponse functions, triggering a panic and disrupting the service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-31525, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Go to version 1.15.12 or 1.16.4 to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any abnormal behavior that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Go to the latest versions to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Follow secure coding practices to minimize the impact of potential exploits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the Go language maintainers to address vulnerabilities.