CVE-2021-33645 : What You Need to Know

A memory leak vulnerability has been identified in the th_read() function of libtar, allowing an attacker to potentially cause a denial of service due to improper resource management.

Understanding CVE-2021-33645

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-33645 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-33645?

The th_read() function in libtar fails to release memory allocated for the t->th_buf.gnu_longlink variable, leading to a memory leak.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33645

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to trigger a denial of service condition due to excessive memory consumption.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33645

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-33645 below.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the improper handling of memory release within the th_read() function of libtar.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects libtar versions prior to 1.2.21.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to consume excessive system memory, potentially leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-33645.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update libtar to version 1.2.21 or later to prevent any exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain a proactive approach towards security by regularly updating software and implementing secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities.