CVE-2021-21810 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-21810, a memory corruption vulnerability in AT&T Labs Xmill 0.7 enabling heap buffer overflow. Learn about affected systems, mitigation steps, and preventive measures.
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in the XML-parsing ParseAttribs functionality of AT&T Labs' Xmill 0.7, leading to a heap buffer overflow when processing a specially crafted XML file. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by providing a malicious file.
Understanding CVE-2021-21810
This section provides insight into the details, impact, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-21810.
What is CVE-2021-21810?
CVE-2021-21810 is a memory corruption vulnerability in AT&T Labs' Xmill 0.7 due to a heap buffer overflow when processing certain XML files, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21810
With a CVSS base score of 8.1 (High), this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring any privileges, making it a critical issue for affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21810
Explore the technical aspects, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms of CVE-2021-21810.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from an improper handling of XML parsing in AT&T Labs' Xmill 0.7, resulting in a heap-based buffer overflow, which can be triggered by a specially crafted XML file.
Affected Systems and Versions
AT&T Labs' Xmill 0.7 is the only known affected version by this vulnerability. Ensure that systems running this version are promptly secured.
Exploitation Mechanism
By providing a malicious XML file to the vulnerable Xmill 0.7 parser, an attacker can exploit the heap buffer overflow, gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21810 to enhance the security posture of your systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately update or patch AT&T Labs' Xmill to address the vulnerability. Consider restricting access to Xmill parser to trusted sources only.
Long-Term Security Practices
Enforce secure coding practices, implement regular security assessments, and educate developers on secure XML processing to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates from AT&T Labs and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of exploitation.