CVE-2021-36980 : What You Need to Know

Open vSwitch (aka openvswitch) 2.11.0 through 2.15.0 has a use-after-free vulnerability in decode_NXAST_RAW_ENCAP (called from ofpact_decode and ofpacts_decode) during the decoding of a RAW_ENCAP action.

Understanding CVE-2021-36980

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of CVE-2021-36980.

What is CVE-2021-36980?

CVE-2021-36980 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Open vSwitch versions 2.11.0 through 2.15.0 during the decoding of a RAW_ENCAP action.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36980

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the use-after-free issue in Open vSwitch.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36980

Let's delve deeper into the vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the decode_NXAST_RAW_ENCAP function, leading to a use-after-free scenario when processing RAW_ENCAP actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Open vSwitch versions 2.11.0 through 2.15.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially designed network packets to trigger the use-after-free condition in Open vSwitch.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-36980.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Open vSwitch to a non-vulnerable version beyond 2.15.0.
Implement network segmentation to minimize the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits of your network infrastructure.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to Open vSwitch.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches released by Open vSwitch promptly to address the use-after-free vulnerability and enhance system security.