CVE-2024-21664 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2024-21664 deals with a vulnerability in the parsing of JSON serialized payload within the "jwx" Go module, potentially leading to a NULL pointer dereference issue that could result in system crashes or denial of service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2024-21664

This vulnerability in the "jwx" Go module occurs when calling

jws.Parse

with a JSON serialized payload where the

signature

field is present but the

protected

field is absent. This specific condition can trigger a nil pointer dereference, posing a risk of system instability and potential exploitation for DOS attacks.

What is CVE-2024-21664?

The CVE-2024-21664 vulnerability in the "jwx" Go module arises from improper parsing of JSON serialized payloads, specifically when certain fields are missing. In this case, the absence of the

protected

field while the

signature

field is present can lead to a NULL pointer dereference, which can be exploited to disrupt system operation through crashes or denial of service attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2024-21664

The impact of CVE-2024-21664 is considered moderate, with a CVSS base score of 4.3 and a base severity level of MEDIUM. The vulnerability does not have any confidentiality or integrity impact but can affect system availability, making it a concern for systems utilizing the affected "jwx" module.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-21664

This section provides detailed technical information regarding the CVE-2024-21664 vulnerability within the "jwx" Go module.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a specific scenario where a JSON serialized payload is parsed using

jws.Parse

, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference if the

protected

field is missing while the

signature

field is present. This vulnerability can be exploited to potentially crash or disrupt systems relying on JWS verification processes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The "jwx" Go module versions up to and including 2.0.18 are affected by CVE-2024-21664. Systems utilizing these versions are at risk of encountering the NULL pointer dereference issue when parsing JSON serialized payloads as described.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2024-21664 involves crafting a JSON serialized payload that triggers the specific condition where the

protected

field is absent but the

signature

field is present. By providing such malicious input to the vulnerable module, attackers can potentially exploit the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability for malicious purposes.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2024-21664, certain measures need to be taken by system administrators and developers utilizing the affected "jwx" Go module.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 2.0.19: The vulnerability in CVE-2024-21664 has been patched in version 2.0.19 of the "jwx" module. It is crucial to update to this patched version or a later release to mitigate the risks associated with the NULL pointer dereference issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in third-party modules like "jwx" to maintain a secure development environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay Informed: Keep track of security advisories and updates released by the "jwx" module maintainers to promptly apply patches and updates that address known vulnerabilities, ensuring the security of your systems.