CVE-2021-44487 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

YottaDB through r1.32 and V7.0-000 allows attackers to crash the application by dereferencing a NULL pointer in ious_open.

Understanding CVE-2021-44487

This CVE describes a vulnerability in YottaDB versions r1.32 and V7.0-000 that could lead to an application crash due to missing NULL pointer checks.

What is CVE-2021-44487?

The issue stems from a lack of NULL checks in the ious_open function in sr_unix/ious_open.c, enabling attackers to exploit this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44487

The vulnerability allows attackers to crash the application by dereferencing a NULL pointer, potentially leading to denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44487

This section outlines specific technical details regarding the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The absence of NULL checks in calls to ious_open in YottaDB versions r1.32 and V7.0-000 can be exploited by attackers to trigger a crash in the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

YottaDB versions through r1.32
YottaDB version V7.0-000

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering calls to ious_open without necessary NULL checks, causing a crash by dereferencing a NULL pointer.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate and long-term steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-44487.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Restrict network access to vulnerable systems.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the network.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent NULL pointer dereferencing vulnerabilities.
Regularly update and patch the software to address known security issues.

Patching and Updates

YottaDB users should update to patched versions that include NULL pointer checks in ious_open calls to mitigate this vulnerability.