CVE-2021-33646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A memory leak vulnerability has been identified in the th_read() function that may impact systems using libtar versions prior to 1.2.21.

Understanding CVE-2021-33646

This CVE refers to a flaw in the th_read() function that results in a memory leak when a specific variable is not released after memory allocation.

What is CVE-2021-33646?

The th_read() function does not free a variable t->th_buf.gnu_longname after allocating memory, leading to a potential memory leak.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33646

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial of service (DoS) condition or potential arbitrary code execution on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33646

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the failure to release a specific variable after memory allocation within the th_read() function.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using libtar versions prior to 1.2.21 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating input that triggers the flawed th_read() function, leading to a memory leak.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-33646, immediate actions and long-term security practices need to be enforced.

Immediate Steps to Take

Affected users should update libtar to version 1.2.21 or later to address the memory leak vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components and libraries, conduct security assessments, and monitor for security advisories to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and vendor advisories to promptly apply relevant patches and updates to mitigate known vulnerabilities.