CVE-2021-39251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability caused by a crafted NTFS image leading to a NULL pointer dereference in ntfs_extent_inode_open in NTFS-3G, versions prior to 2021.8.22.

Understanding CVE-2021-39251

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-39251 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-39251?

CVE-2021-39251 is triggered by a crafted NTFS image causing a NULL pointer dereference in ntfs_extent_inode_open in NTFS-3G before version 2021.8.22.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39251

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to potentially cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39251

Exploring the technical aspects of CVE-2021-39251.

Vulnerability Description

Type: NULL pointer dereference
Component: ntfs_extent_inode_open in NTFS-3G
Versions affected: Prior to 2021.8.22

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Affected Version: NTFS-3G versions earlier than 2021.8.22

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious NTFS image to trigger the NULL pointer dereference in the specific component.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-39251.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NTFS-3G to version 2021.8.22 or later
Avoid opening NTFS partitions from untrusted or unknown sources

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to the latest versions
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent crafted NTFS images exploitation

Patching and Updates

Patch for this vulnerability is available in NTFS-3G version 2021.8.22
Stay informed about security advisories and apply relevant updates promptly