CVE-2021-20291 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A deadlock vulnerability was discovered in 'github.com/containers/storage' before version 1.28.1, allowing an attacker to create a malicious image that could lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-20291

This section provides insights into the critical vulnerability identified in 'github.com/containers/storage'.

What is CVE-2021-20291?

The vulnerability in 'github.com/containers/storage' prior to version 1.28.1 allows for a deadlock situation when processing container images, potentially resulting in a DoS attack if exploited by a malicious actor.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20291

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a deadlock scenario, causing an affected application to become unresponsive and resulting in a DoS.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20291

This section delves into the technical aspects related to CVE-2021-20291.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises during the unpacking of container image layers with

tar

, where an invalid layer can trigger an error, leading to a deadlock situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects 'containers/storage' versions prior to 1.28.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious image and getting it downloaded and stored by an application using containers/storage, an attacker could trigger the deadlock, causing a DoS.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we discuss strategies to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-20291.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to version 1.28.1 of 'containers/storage' to eliminate the deadlock vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software and monitoring for security advisories can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the software vendor to ensure continued protection against potential threats.