CVE-2021-32289 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-32289, a vulnerability in heif through v3.6.2, enabling attackers to trigger Denial of Service. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
An issue was discovered in heif through v3.6.2 where a NULL pointer dereference exists in the function convertByteStreamToRBSP() located in nalutil.cpp, allowing an attacker to cause Denial of Service.
Understanding CVE-2021-32289
This CVE involves a vulnerability in heif through v3.6.2 that can be exploited for Denial of Service attacks.
What is CVE-2021-32289?
CVE-2021-32289 is a vulnerability in the heif library through version 3.6.2 that allows an attacker to trigger a NULL pointer dereference in the convertByteStreamToRBSP() function, potentially leading to Denial of Service.
The Impact of CVE-2021-32289
The impact of this CVE is the potential for an attacker to cause a Denial of Service condition on systems running the vulnerable versions of the heif library.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-32289
This section provides in-depth technical details regarding the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from a NULL pointer dereference in the convertByteStreamToRBSP() function of nalutil.cpp in heif v3.6.2.
Affected Systems and Versions
All versions of heif up to and including v3.6.2 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to the convertByteStreamToRBSP() function, causing the NULL pointer dereference and resulting in a Denial of Service condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
To prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-32289, it is crucial to take immediate and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to update the heif library to a patched version that addresses the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability. Additionally, implement network-level protections to mitigate potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Incorporate secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about security updates for all software components used in your systems.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for updates from heif and apply patches promptly to ensure that your systems are protected from known vulnerabilities.