CVE-2021-41396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Live555 through 1.08 has a vulnerability that allows attackers to launch a DoS attack through a heap-based buffer overflow when handling a large number of incoming socket connections.

Understanding CVE-2021-41396

What is CVE-2021-41396?

Live555 through 1.08 does not properly handle socket connections, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow that enables a DoS attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41396

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial of service (DoS) by overloading the error-handling module.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41396

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from Live555's improper handling of socket connections, triggering a heap-based buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions up to and including 1.08

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can create a huge number of incoming socket connections in a short time to trigger the error-handling module, leading to the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor and limit incoming socket connections to mitigate the risk of overloading the error-handling module.
Implement network-level controls to detect and block potentially malicious connection attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Live555 to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address any other potential weaknesses in the system.
Stay informed about security best practices and respond promptly to new vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Live555 promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.