CVE-2022-21700 : What You Need to Know

Micronaut is a JVM-based, full stack Java framework. In affected versions, sending an invalid Content Type header leads to a memory leak in DefaultArgumentConversionContext due to erroneous static state usage.

Understanding CVE-2022-21700

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the micronaut-core library that can result in a memory leak when an invalid Content Type header is sent.

What is CVE-2022-21700?

The vulnerability in Micronaut's affected versions causes a memory leak in DefaultArgumentConversionContext by misusing static state, triggered by an invalid Content Type header.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21700

Sending an invalid Content Type header can lead to a memory leak in DefaultArgumentConversionContext due to the erroneous usage of static state.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21700

In affected versions of Micronaut, sending an invalid Content Type header can result in significant memory leaks due to misuse of static state.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from erroneous static state usage in handling Content Type headers, leading to memory leaks in the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Micronaut versions prior to 3.2.7 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending an invalid Content Type header, attackers can trigger the vulnerability and cause a memory leak in the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the CVE-2022-21700 vulnerability in Micronaut, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Micronaut to version 3.2.7 or above to patch the memory leak issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and apply patches promptly to avoid similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Replace the default content type binder in existing Micronaut applications by implementing a fixed request binder registry to prevent memory leaks.