CVE-2021-33649 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2021-33649 advisory addresses a vulnerability in openEuler:mindspore that could result in accessing data outside the bounds of input_shape during the inference shape operation of the Transpose operator.

Understanding CVE-2021-33649

This section delves into the details regarding the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-33649.

What is CVE-2021-33649?

The vulnerability stems from the Transpose operator's inference shape operation, where accessing data beyond input_shape bounds may occur, leading to potential security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33649

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow threat actors to access confidential data or execute arbitrary code, posing a severe risk to system integrity and data confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33649

Let's explore the technical specifics of the vulnerability including the description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises during the Transpose operator's inference shape operation, triggering out-of-bounds access to data within heap buffers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects openEuler:mindspore versions spanning from >= 0.7.0-beta to < 1.3.0, leaving systems running these versions susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the perm element to exceed the input_shape size, attackers can exploit the vulnerability to interact with restricted memory regions or gain unauthorized data access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-33649 and safeguard affected systems from potential compromise.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant security patches, updates, and monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized data access or code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and prioritize timely updates to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and enhance system resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories, update to patched versions, and maintain awareness of security best practices to fortify system defenses against emerging threats.