CVE-2021-36530 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-36530, a vulnerability found in ngiflib 0.4 that could lead to a heap overflow.

Understanding CVE-2021-36530

CVE-2021-36530 is a security flaw identified in ngiflib 0.4, specifically in the GetByteStr() function at ngiflib.c:108 when in NGIFLIB_NO_FILE mode. The issue arises due to the function copying memory buffer without boundary checks.

What is CVE-2021-36530?

CVE-2021-36530 refers to a heap overflow vulnerability in ngiflib 0.4, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or trigger a denial of service by exploiting the flawed GetByteStr() function.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36530

The impact of this vulnerability could result in a compromise of system integrity, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or disruption of services, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36530

The technical details of CVE-2021-36530 include:

Vulnerability Description

ngiflib 0.4 is susceptible to a heap overflow in the GetByteStr() function at ngiflib.c:108, permitting malicious actors to overrun the allocated buffer and potentially execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of ngiflib 0.4 are affected by CVE-2021-36530 when operating in NGIFLIB_NO_FILE mode, making systems utilizing this specific configuration vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2021-36530 involves triggering the heap overflow while the GetByteStr() function is copying memory buffer without appropriate boundary validation, leading to a potential security breach.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36530, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable NGIFLIB_NO_FILE mode or use an alternative library until a patch is available.
Monitor security advisories for updates and patches related to ngiflib.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Regularly update software components to address known security issues.

Patching and Updates

Check for patches or security fixes provided by ngiflib maintainers to address the heap overflow issue in ngiflib 0.4 and ensure timely implementation to secure affected systems.