CVE-2021-46461 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NJS through 0.7.0, used in NGINX, contains an out-of-bounds array access vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-46461

NJS, a JavaScript-like language interpreter for NGINX, has a vulnerability that allows for out-of-bounds array access.

What is CVE-2021-46461?

This CVE identifies a security issue in NJS version 0.7.0 used in NGINX, where attackers can exploit out-of-bounds array access through njs_vmcode_typeof in /src/njs_vmcode.c.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46461

The vulnerability could lead to a range of malicious activities, such as denial of service (DoS) attacks, sensitive data exposure, and potential remote code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46461

NJS version 0.7.0 in NGINX is susceptible to a specific type of array access vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from an out-of-bounds array access vulnerability via njs_vmcode_typeof in /src/njs_vmcode.c, which can be exploited by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: NJS through 0.7.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by performing out-of-bounds array access through the identified code segment.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate actions to mitigate risks and prevent exploitation is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NGINX and NJS to the latest patched versions.
Implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces.
Monitor and analyze network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to ensure known vulnerabilities are patched.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

NGINX and NJS maintainers issue security patches for vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-46461. Stay informed about updates and promptly apply patches to secure your systems.