CVE-2021-42196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in swftools through 20201222. A NULL pointer dereference exists in the function traits_parse() located in abc.c, which allows an attacker to cause Denial of Service.

Understanding CVE-2021-42196

This CVE describes a vulnerability in swftools that can lead to Denial of Service.

What is CVE-2021-42196?

CVE-2021-42196 is a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in swftools, specifically in the function traits_parse() in abc.c, enabling an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42196

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a complete Denial of Service attack on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42196

This section details the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in a NULL pointer dereference in the function traits_parse() in abc.c in swftools through 20201222.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service by causing a NULL pointer dereference in the traits_parse() function.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploit of CVE-2021-42196 is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider updating to a patched version of swftools if available.
Implement proper input validation to prevent NULL pointer dereference.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits of software components.
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the software vendors.
Employ security mechanisms like memory protections to mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to remediate vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of the system.