CVE-2021-38091 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of the Integer Overflow vulnerability in function filter16_sobel in Ffmpeg 4.2.1 that can lead to Denial of Service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-38091

This section covers the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-38091.

What is CVE-2021-38091?

The CVE-2021-38091 pertains to an Integer Overflow vulnerability in the 'filter16_sobel' function within Ffmpeg 4.2.1. This security flaw can be exploited by malicious actors to trigger Denial of Service attacks or other unspecified adverse effects.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38091

The vulnerability can result in Denial of Service attacks or other potential impacts, posing a risk to the stability and security of systems utilizing Ffmpeg 4.2.1.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38091

This section dives into the specific details regarding the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The Integer Overflow vulnerability occurs in the 'filter16_sobel' function located in 'libavfilter/vf_convolution.c' in Ffmpeg 4.2.1. Attackers can exploit this flaw to instigate Denial of Service attacks or other detrimental consequences.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Ffmpeg 4.2.1. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation until appropriate measures are taken to address the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the Integer Overflow vulnerability in the 'filter16_sobel' function, threat actors can orchestrate Denial of Service attacks or execute other malicious activities, highlighting the critical nature of this security issue.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-38091 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to a patched version of Ffmpeg (if available) to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular system updates, code reviews, and threat monitoring, can help safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ffmpeg users should regularly check for security updates from the official sources and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.