CVE-2021-42262 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Softing OPC UA C++ SDK before 5.70 contains a vulnerability that can lead to a denial of service due to a crash in the OPC/UA client caused by an out-of-memory condition.

Understanding CVE-2021-42262

This CVE describes a specific issue in Softing OPC UA C++ SDK that can result in a client crash due to memory-related problems.

What is CVE-2021-42262?

The vulnerability arises from an invalid XML element within the type dictionary of the SDK, triggering an out-of-memory scenario that crashes the OPC/UA client.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42262

The vulnerability can be exploited to cause a denial of service by crashing the OPC/UA client, potentially disrupting critical operations relying on the affected component.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42262

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability within Softing OPC UA C++ SDK.

Vulnerability Description

An invalid XML element in the type dictionary leads to an out-of-memory condition, ultimately causing the OPC/UA client to crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Softing OPC UA C++ SDK
Vendor: Softing
Versions Affected: Before 5.70

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by introducing a specially crafted XML element into the type dictionary, triggering the out-of-memory crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against and remedying the CVE-2021-42262 vulnerability is essential for system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 5.70 or newer of Softing OPC UA C++ SDK to mitigate the issue.
Monitor for any signs of memory-related errors or crashes in the OPC/UA client.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly assess and update software components to stay protected against potential vulnerabilities.
Implement robust memory management strategies to prevent out-of-memory conditions.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches from the vendor promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.