CVE-2021-32613 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-32613, a vulnerability found in radare2 versions before and including 5.3.0 that could lead to DoS attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-32613

CVE-2021-32613 is a double free vulnerability discovered in radare2, specifically affecting versions before and including 5.3.0. The vulnerability exists in the pyc parse when processing a specially crafted file, potentially resulting in Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.

What is CVE-2021-32613?

The CVE-2021-32613 vulnerability in radare2 exposes a double free flaw in the pyc parse functionality. By exploiting this security issue with a maliciously created file, attackers could trigger a DoS condition, impacting the availability of the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-32613

The impact of CVE-2021-32613 is significant as threat actors can abuse this vulnerability to crash the application or service, leading to service disruptions and potential system unavailability. It is crucial for users to address this security flaw promptly to prevent exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-32613

The technical details of CVE-2021-32613 shed light on the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a double free issue in the pyc parse feature of radare2. When processing a specifically crafted file, the application fails to handle memory operations properly, resulting in a situation where memory is freed twice, paving the way for a potential DoS attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

radare2 versions before and including 5.3.0 are confirmed to be impacted by CVE-2021-32613. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation and should take immediate action to mitigate the threat.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-32613, threat actors can craft a malicious file with specific characteristics that trigger the double free vulnerability in the pyc parse of radare2. By manipulating the input data, attackers can cause the application to crash or become unresponsive, disrupting normal operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-32613 is critical to safeguarding systems against potential attacks and maintaining a secure environment.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update radare2 to a version that is not susceptible to CVE-2021-32613. It is advisable to apply patches released by the vendor promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular software updates, security assessments, and code reviews, can help reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future. By staying informed about security threats and best practices, organizations can enhance their overall cybersecurity resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security advisories and CVE alerts related to radare2 is essential. Applying security patches and updates in a timely manner is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and protect systems from exploitation.