CVE-2021-33285 : What You Need to Know

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability in NTFS-3G versions < 2021.8.22 could lead to memory disclosure or denial of service. The flaw is triggered by mounting a crafted ntfs partition.

Understanding CVE-2021-33285

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-33285 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-33285?

CVE-2021-33285 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in NTFS-3G versions < 2021.8.22 that can result in memory disclosure or denial of service. The issue arises from an out-of-bounds buffer access due to a missing consistency check in parsing MFT records.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33285

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to disclose sensitive information from memory or cause a denial of service condition, impacting the affected systems negatively.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33285

This section provides the technical specifics of CVE-2021-33285.

Vulnerability Description

The root cause of CVE-2021-33285 is a heap buffer overflow triggered by a specially crafted NTFS attribute supplied to ntfs_get_attribute_value function in NTFS-3G. A missing consistency check during MFT record parsing leads to an out-of-bounds buffer access.

Affected Systems and Versions

All NTFS-3G versions prior to 2021.8.22 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of affected versions are at risk of exploitation if a crafted ntfs partition is mounted.

Exploitation Mechanism

By mounting a specifically crafted ntfs partition and supplying a malicious NTFS attribute to ntfs_get_attribute_value function, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability leading to a heap buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2021-33285 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their NTFS-3G installations to version 2021.8.22 or later to mitigate the heap buffer overflow vulnerability. Additionally, refrain from mounting untrusted ntfs partitions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the provided advisories from relevant vendors for patching guidance and ensure timely application of security updates to protect systems from potential exploitation.