CVE-2021-42382 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A use-after-free vulnerability in Busybox's awk applet can lead to denial of service and potential code execution when processing a malicious awk pattern.

Understanding CVE-2021-42382

Busybox's awk applet is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability, potentially enabling attackers to execute code by manipulating crafted patterns.

What is CVE-2021-42382?

The CVE-2021-42382 vulnerability involves a use-after-free issue in Busybox's awk applet, allowing attackers to trigger denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code through a carefully crafted awk pattern.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42382

The impact of CVE-2021-42382 includes denial of service attacks and the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, posing significant security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42382

Busybox's awk applet vulnerability requires understanding its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in Busybox's awk applet arises when processing a crafted awk pattern, leading to the possibility of denial of service and code execution in the getvar_s function.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Busybox
Product: Busybox
Affected Versions: Unspecified versions prior to 1.34.0
Version Status: Affected
Version Type: Custom

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2021-42382 involves manipulating specially crafted awk patterns within Busybox, triggering the use-after-free condition to achieve denial of service and potential code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2021-42382 requires immediate steps, security best practices, and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Busybox to version 1.34.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor for any unusual activities on systems running affected versions of Busybox
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities promptly
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate potential issues proactively

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest patches provided by Busybox to fix the use-after-free vulnerability
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from software vendors to protect systems from emerging threats