CVE-2021-42260 : What You Need to Know

TinyXML through 2.6.2 has an infinite loop vulnerability that can lead to a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-42260

What is CVE-2021-42260?

TinyXML through version 2.6.2 contains a vulnerability in the TiXmlParsingData::Stamp function in the file tinyxmlparser.cpp, specifically in the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case. This vulnerability can be exploited by a maliciously crafted XML message, resulting in an infinite loop and causing a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42260

This vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger an infinite loop in the affected parsing function by sending a specially crafted XML message. As a result, the application parsing the XML may become unresponsive, leading to a denial of service condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42260

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in TinyXML through 2.6.2 resides in the TiXmlParsingData::Stamp function in tinyxmlparser.cpp, specifically in the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case, leading to an infinite loop.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions of TinyXML through 2.6.2 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a maliciously crafted XML message that triggers the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability to cause an infinite loop in the parsing process, resulting in a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Consider limiting the acceptance of XML messages from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to their latest versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent malformed or crafted messages from affecting the application.
Monitor and analyze system performance for any signs of denial of service attacks.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply the security updates provided by TinyXML promptly to address the vulnerability in versions up to 2.6.2.