CVE-2021-46236 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2021-46236 article provides details about a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in GPAC v1.1.0 that can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS).

Understanding CVE-2021-46236

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-46236?

CVE-2021-46236 is a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability found in GPAC v1.1.0 through the function gf_sg_vrml_field_pointer_del() at scenegraph/vrml_tools.c, which can result in a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46236

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a DoS condition, rendering the affected system unavailable to legitimate users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46236

Exploring the technical aspects and scope of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a NULL pointer dereference in the specified function within the GPAC software, opening the door to potential exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Not applicable
Affected Versions: GPAC v1.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can trigger the vulnerability through specially crafted inputs, causing the software to dereference a NULL pointer and leading to a DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Measures to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-46236.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches promptly once they are available.
Consider implementing network-level protections to mitigate potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ secure coding practices to minimize the likelihood of NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities.
Regularly monitor and update software to address known security flaws.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by GPAC to address this vulnerability.