CVE-2021-3796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-3796, a high-severity Use After Free vulnerability in vim/vim allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. Find mitigation strategies here.
A detailed overview of the vulnerability in the vim/vim container leading to a Use After Free security issue.
Understanding CVE-2021-3796
This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-3796.
What is CVE-2021-3796?
CVE-2021-3796 is a Use After Free vulnerability in vim/vim that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or trigger a denial of service condition by exploiting memory corruption.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3796
The vulnerability poses a high severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 8.2 (High), affecting unspecified versions of vim/vim up to 8.2.3428.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3796
This section provides insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory operations, leading to a situation where a pointer still references memory after freeing it.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts vim/vim versions up to 8.2.3428 where the Use After Free issue exists, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specially designed input to trigger the Use After Free scenario, potentially resulting in the execution of arbitrary code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploits in light of CVE-2021-3796.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update to a non-vulnerable version, apply patches provided by the vendor, or implement network-level protections to mitigate the risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security advisories to enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Stay proactive with patch management, regularly check for updates, and follow vendor advisories to address security vulnerabilities effectively.