CVE-2021-37615 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-37615, a null pointer dereference vulnerability in Exiv2 versions v0.27.4 and earlier, allowing attackers to trigger denial of service attacks. Find out the impact, technical details, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A null pointer dereference vulnerability was found in Exiv2 versions v0.27.4 and earlier, allowing an attacker to trigger a denial of service by exploiting the vulnerability. This CVE has been assigned the ID CVE-2021-37615.
Understanding CVE-2021-37615
Exiv2 is a command-line utility and C++ library used for handling metadata in image files. The vulnerability arises due to a null pointer dereference issue that can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2021-37615?
CVE-2021-37615 is a security vulnerability in Exiv2 versions v0.27.4 and earlier that allows an attacker to crash the application by manipulating the metadata of a crafted image file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-37615
The impact of this vulnerability is that an attacker can potentially exploit it to cause a denial of service by tricking a victim into running Exiv2 on a specifically crafted image file. The issue is triggered when printing the interpreted data of the image file, requiring a less common operation in Exiv2 that uses additional command line options.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-37615
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from a null pointer dereference when Exiv2 attempts to print the metadata of a manipulated image file, leading to a crash.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Exiv2 versions up to v0.27.4.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would need to manipulate the metadata of an image file and trick a user into running Exiv2 with the specific command line options required to trigger the issue.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate action to address the CVE and prevent potential attacks.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Exiv2 to version v0.27.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, avoid running Exiv2 on untrusted or manipulated image files.
Long-Term Security Practices
Practicing secure handling of image files and regularly updating software are essential for long-term security.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that Exiv2 is regularly updated to the latest version to apply patches and security fixes.