CVE-2021-45773 : Security Advisory and Response

A NULL pointer dereference in CS104_IPAddress_setFromString at src/iec60870/cs104/cs104_slave.c of lib60870 commit 0d5e76e can lead to a segmentation fault or application crash.

Understanding CVE-2021-45773

This CVE involves a NULL pointer dereference in a specific function within lib60870 that can result in severe consequences.

What is CVE-2021-45773?

A NULL pointer dereference in CS104_IPAddress_setFromString in lib60870 commit 0d5e76e may cause a segmentation fault or lead to the failure of an application.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45773

The vulnerability can trigger a segmentation fault, causing the application to crash or behave unpredictably.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45773

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in CS104_IPAddress_setFromString function, potentially leading to a NULL pointer dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems: Not specified
Versions: All versions of lib60870 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability may allow an attacker to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent issues related to CVE-2021-45773 is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider implementing input validation mechanisms to prevent NULL pointer issues.
Apply software patches or updates from the vendor promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit code for vulnerabilities like NULL pointer dereferences.
Conduct security training for developers to promote secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure to monitor for security patches and updates from the software vendor and apply them promptly to mitigate the CVE.