CVE-2021-41771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2021-41771 involves an out-of-bounds slice situation in Go before versions 1.16.10 and 1.17.3, specifically within the ImportedSymbols in debug/macho (for Open or OpenFat) component.

Understanding CVE-2021-41771

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Go programming language versions prior to 1.16.10 and 1.17.3 that leads to accessing memory beyond a buffer's end, resulting in an out-of-bounds slice scenario.

What is CVE-2021-41771?

The CVE-2021-41771 vulnerability is associated with ImportedSymbols in debug/macho (for Open or OpenFat) in Go versions preceding 1.16.10 and 1.17.3. It enables unauthorized access to memory locations beyond the boundaries of a buffer, which can be exploited for malicious purposes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41771

This vulnerability allows attackers to read sensitive information from memory, modify data, crash the program, or potentially execute arbitrary code through crafted input.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41771

CVE-2021-41771 pertains to the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a flaw in handling ImportedSymbols in debug/macho (for Open or OpenFat) in Go, which fails to properly validate boundary accesses, leading to reading or writing memory beyond the expected limits.

Affected Systems and Versions

Go versions before 1.16.10 and 1.17.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted input to trigger the out-of-bounds slice situation, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive memory locations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-41771, consider the following mitigation and prevention measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Go to versions 1.16.10 or 1.17.3, which include patches for this vulnerability.
Avoid processing untrusted input in applications to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices such as input validation and boundary checking to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Regularly monitor security advisories for updates and patches released by the Go community.

Patching and Updates

Apply security updates promptly to ensure that your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.