CVE-2022-3510 : What You Need to Know

A parsing issue similar to CVE-2022-3171 has been identified in the Message-Type Extensions in protobuf-java core and lite versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3. This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack by causing objects to be converted back and forth between mutable and immutable forms, resulting in potentially long garbage collection pauses. It is crucial to update to the recommended versions to mitigate this issue.

Understanding CVE-2022-3510

This section provides insights into the CVE-2022-3510 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-3510?

CVE-2022-3510 is a parsing issue in the Message-Type Extensions of protobuf-java core and lite versions earlier than 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3. Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack due to incorrect handling of embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3510

The impact of CVE-2022-3510 is categorized as high severity. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger long garbage collection pauses, leading to a denial of service situation. As a result, systems running affected versions are at risk of disruption and potential unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3510

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2022-3510, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a parsing issue in protobuf-java core and lite versions, where handling multiple instances of non-repeated embedded messages with specific fields triggers the conversion of objects between mutable and immutable forms, causing significant garbage collection pauses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using protobuf-java core and lite versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3 are susceptible to CVE-2022-3510. It is essential for users of these versions to apply the necessary updates promptly to address this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting inputs containing instances of non-repeated embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields, attackers can exploit this vulnerability to force objects into mutable and immutable states, leading to extended garbage collection pauses and potential denial of service conditions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2022-3510, it is crucial to implement immediate steps for containment and establish long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should upgrade to protobuf-java core and lite versions 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, or 3.16.3 to mitigate the CVE-2022-3510 vulnerability. Applying patches and updates provided by Google is essential to safeguard systems against potential denial of service attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall system security, organizations should prioritize regular software updates, security audits, and code reviews to detect and address vulnerabilities proactively. Educating developers on secure coding practices can help prevent similar parsing issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches for the impacted versions of protobuf-java core and lite. Users are advised to apply these updates promptly to ensure the integrity and availability of their systems.