CVE-2021-41495 : What You Need to Know

A Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability in numpy.sort in NumPy &lt and 1.19 can lead to DoS attacks due to missing return-value validation.

Understanding CVE-2021-41495

What is CVE-2021-41495?

The CVE-2021-41495 vulnerability in NumPy allows attackers to conduct Denial of Service attacks by repetitively creating sort arrays, exploiting the missing return-value validation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41495

The vulnerability can result in DoS attacks by exhausting memory, requiring the attacker to have privileged access to exploit it effectively.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41495

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from missing return-value validation in the PyArray_DescrNew function, leading to a Null Pointer Dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: NumPy &lt and 1.19

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by repetitively creating sort arrays, causing memory exhaustion and enabling DoS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NumPy to a patched version that includes return-value validation.
Monitor memory usage for unusual spikes that could indicate a DoS attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent Null Pointer Dereference vulnerabilities.
Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks.