CVE-2022-27781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

libcurl provides the

CURLOPT_CERTINFO

option to allow applications to request details to be returned about a server's certificate chain. Due to an erroneous function, a malicious server could make libcurl built with NSS get stuck in a never-ending busy-loop when trying to retrieve that information.

Understanding CVE-2022-27781

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2022-27781.

What is CVE-2022-27781?

CVE-2022-27781 is a vulnerability in libcurl that could allow a malicious server to cause libcurl built with NSS to get stuck in a never-ending busy-loop.

The Impact of CVE-2022-27781

The impact of this vulnerability includes denial of service, where the affected libcurl instances may become unresponsive due to the malicious server's actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-27781

Understanding the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism of CVE-2022-27781 is crucial.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to an erroneous function in libcurl that can be abused by a malicious server to trigger a never-ending busy-loop.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects libcurl versions up to and including 7.83.0, and it is fixed in version 7.83.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the

CURLOPT_CERTINFO

option, a malicious server can trigger the erroneous function in libcurl and lead to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are essential to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-27781.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to libcurl version 7.83.1 or newer to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitoring for security updates, following secure coding practices, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities in dependencies are essential long-term security measures.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from vendors and promptly apply patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.