CVE-2021-33644 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the details of CVE-2021-33644, a vulnerability in libtar <1.2.21 allowing attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds read. Learn the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation steps.
A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-33644 highlighting its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
Understanding CVE-2021-33644
CVE-2021-33644 is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds read by submitting a crafted tar file with a size of 0 in the header struct.
What is CVE-2021-33644?
CVE-2021-33644 enables an attacker to invoke malloc(0) for a variable gnu_longname, leading to an out-of-bounds read.
The Impact of CVE-2021-33644
The vulnerability affects versions of libtar prior to 1.2.21, exposing systems to potential out-of-bounds read attacks.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-33644
This section elucidates the specifics of the vulnerability's description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
An attacker can exploit CVE-2021-33644 by injecting a crafted tar file with a size of 0 in the header struct, causing an out-of-bounds read by triggering malloc(0) for gnu_longname.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts versions of libtar below 1.2.21, leaving them susceptible to out-of-bounds read attacks through a specially crafted tar file.
Exploitation Mechanism
By manipulating the size in the header struct of a tar file to 0, an attacker can invoke malloc(0) for gnu_longname, thus triggering an out-of-bounds read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Explore the immediate steps and long-term practices to secure your systems against CVE-2021-33644.
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-33644, update libtar to version 1.2.21 or higher. Additionally, exercise caution while processing tar files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about the latest security advisories to bolster your defense against vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-33644.
Patching and Updates
Stay vigilant for security patches and updates released by libtar to address CVE-2021-33644 and other potential vulnerabilities.