CVE-2021-46790 : What You Need to Know

NTFS-3G through version 2021.8.22 is impacted by a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ntfsck, which could be exploited by an attacker. Despite being deprecated, it is still present in some Linux distributions.

Understanding CVE-2021-46790

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in NTFS-3G's ntfsck utility, potentially allowing for malicious activities.

What is CVE-2021-46790?

ntfsck in NTFS-3G through version 2021.8.22 has a heap-based buffer overflow, enabling unauthorized access to system resources.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46790

The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it could be exploited by threat actors to execute arbitrary code or crash systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46790

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The heap-based buffer overflow in ntfsck allows attackers to tamper with memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NTFS-3G
Version: Up to 2021.8.22

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow, potentially leading to system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems from CVE-2021-46790, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable ntfsck if not essential for system operation
Monitor vendor advisories for patches and updates

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits and code reviews
Implement least privilege access controls

Patching and Updates

Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly
Update NTFS-3G to a non-vulnerable version