CVE-2021-42778 : Security Advisory and Response

A heap double free issue was found in Opensc before version 0.22.0 in sc_pkcs15_free_tokeninfo.

Understanding CVE-2021-42778

A vulnerability in Opensc that could lead to a heap double free issue.

What is CVE-2021-42778?

CVE-2021-42778 is a heap double free vulnerability identified in Opensc versions prior to 0.22.0 in the function sc_pkcs15_free_tokeninfo.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42778

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42778

Details regarding the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a heap double free problem within the sc_pkcs15_free_tokeninfo function of Opensc.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Opensc
Vendor: N/A
Vulnerable Version: Opensc 0.22.0 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability may require the attacker to craft a malicious payload and send it to the target system to trigger the heap double free condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Measures to mitigate the CVE-2021-42778 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Opensc to version 0.22.0 or later to address the heap double free issue.
Monitor vendor advisories and apply security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Employ secure coding practices to prevent memory-related vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and implement them as soon as they are available.