CVE-2021-35266 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in NTFS-3G versions prior to 2021.8.22, allowing for memory disclosure, denial of service, and potential code execution when a specially crafted NTFS inode pathname is provided.

Understanding CVE-2021-35266

This vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems utilizing affected versions of NTFS-3G, potentially leading to severe consequences.

What is CVE-2021-35266?

The CVE-2021-35266 vulnerability arises in NTFS-3G software versions before 2021.8.22 due to the mishandling of specially crafted NTFS inode pathnames, leading to a heap buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35266

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in memory disclosure, denial of service, and in severe cases, unauthorized code execution on the targeted system, posing a serious security threat.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35266

While no specific vendor or product is identified as affected, all versions of NTFS-3G prior to 2021.8.22 are known to be vulnerable to this issue.

Vulnerability Description

The heap buffer overflow in NTFS-3G versions before 2021.8.22 occurs when processing a malicious NTFS inode pathname, allowing an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of NTFS-3G released before 2021.8.22 are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2021-35266, emphasizing the importance of updating to a secure version.

Exploitation Mechanism

By supplying a specifically crafted NTFS inode pathname within an NTFS image, threat actors can trigger a heap buffer overflow, opening avenues for memory exposure, service disruption, and potential execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-35266 and implement robust security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their NTFS-3G installations to version 2021.8.22 or later to remediate the vulnerability and enhance overall system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software, monitoring security advisories, and employing proper input validation mechanisms are essential practices to bolster system defenses against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by NTFS-3G maintainers, ensuring timely implementation to address known vulnerabilities and protect system integrity.