CVE-2021-44568 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-44568, two heap-overflow vulnerabilities in openSUSE/libsolv libsolv that could lead to a remote Denial of Service attack. Find out about the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Two heap-overflow vulnerabilities exist in openSUSE/libsolv libsolv through 13 Dec 2020 in the decisionmap variable via the resolve_dependencies function at src/solver.c (line 1940 & line 1995), leading to a remote Denial of Service.
Understanding CVE-2021-44568
These vulnerabilities in openSUSE/libsolv can result in a Denial of Service attack due to heap-overflow issues in specific functions.
What is CVE-2021-44568?
The CVE-2021-44568 vulnerability involves heap-overflow weaknesses within openSUSE/libsolv libsolv. It specifically affects the decisionmap variable through the resolve_dependencies function at src/solver.c (line 1940 & line 1995), potentially enabling a remote Denial of Service.
The Impact of CVE-2021-44568
The presence of these vulnerabilities can allow malicious actors to exploit the system, causing a remote Denial of Service attack, impacting the availability of affected services and systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-44568
The technical aspects of CVE-2021-44568 shed light on the specific components affected and how exploitation can occur.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerabilities in openSUSE/libsolv libsolv stem from heap-overflow issues in the decisionmap variable accessed via the resolve_dependencies function at src/solver.c (line 1940 & line 1995).
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
Malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities remotely, triggering heap-overflow scenarios through specially crafted inputs, which in turn can lead to a Denial of Service condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2021-44568 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures to mitigate risks effectively.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Monitor security advisories from openSUSE for patches or workarounds.
- Implement network firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access to vulnerable components.
- Consider implementing intrusion detection systems to detect exploit attempts.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.
- Educate personnel on secure coding practices and potential security risks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches released by openSUSE for libsolv to address the heap-overflow vulnerabilities.