CVE-2021-45769 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A NULL pointer dereference in AcseConnection_parseMessage at src/mms/iso_acse/acse.c of libiec61850 v1.5.0 can lead to a segmentation fault or application crash.

Understanding CVE-2021-45769

This CVE involves a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in libiec61850 v1.5.0.

What is CVE-2021-45769?

The vulnerability in AcseConnection_parseMessage can trigger a segmentation fault or application crash due to a NULL pointer dereference.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45769

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45769

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

A NULL pointer dereference in AcseConnection_parseMessage at src/mms/iso_acse/acse.c of libiec61850 v1.5.0 leads to the issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: libiec61850 v1.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specially crafted message to the application, leading to a NULL pointer dereference and causing a crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-45769, follow the mitigation strategies outlined below.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches as soon as they are available.
Monitor official sources for updates and apply security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to reduce the likelihood of similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Keep the software up to date with the latest versions and security patches to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.