CVE-2021-38441 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Eclipse CycloneDDS versions prior to 0.8.0 are vulnerable to a write-what-where condition, which may allow an attacker to write arbitrary values in the XML parser.

Understanding CVE-2021-38441

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Eclipse CycloneDDS that could be exploited by an attacker to manipulate values in the XML parser.

What is CVE-2021-38441?

CVE-2021-38441 is a write-what-where condition vulnerability affecting Eclipse CycloneDDS versions below 0.8.0, enabling unauthorized parties to write arbitrary values into the XML parser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38441

The vulnerability poses a medium risk with a CVSS base score of 6.6, allowing attackers to potentially disrupt system availability by writing arbitrary values.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38441

The following provides technical insights into the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in pre-0.8.0 versions of Eclipse CycloneDDS enables attackers to exploit a write-what-where condition, granting them the ability to modify XML parser values.

Affected Systems and Versions

Eclipse CycloneDDS versions before 0.8.0 are confirmed to be susceptible to this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be triggered locally with low attack complexity and no user interaction required.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38441, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply the latest patches provided by Eclipse to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enhance security protocols by regularly updating software components and monitoring for emerging vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and deploy patches promptly to prevent potential threats.