CVE-2021-33466 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in yasm version 1.3.0 that leads to a NULL pointer dereference in expand_smacro() in modules/preprocs/nasm/nasm-pp.c.

Understanding CVE-2021-33466

This CVE affects yasm version 1.3.0 and can result in a NULL pointer dereference during the execution of expand_smacro() function.

What is CVE-2021-33466?

CVE-2021-33466 is a security vulnerability found in yasm version 1.3.0, specifically in the expand_smacro() function in modules/preprocs/nasm/nasm-pp.c file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33466

The impact of this CVE is the potential for a NULL pointer dereference, which can lead to denial of service or possibly remote code execution if exploited by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33466

The following technical details provide more insight into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in yasm version 1.3.0 allows for a NULL pointer dereference in the expand_smacro() function, which could be exploited for malicious purposes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Yasm version 1.3.0 is directly affected by this vulnerability, putting systems running this version at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves triggering the NULL pointer dereference in the expand_smacro() function, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-33466, certain mitigation practices need to be followed.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update yasm to a patched version or apply workarounds suggested by the vendor to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and conducting regular security audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities in software components.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from yasm and apply patches promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-33466 are mitigated effectively.