CVE-2021-22570:Null pointer dereference vulnerability in Google Protocol Buffers (protobuf) when parsing proto symbols containing null characters.

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CVE-2021-22570 is a vulnerability in Google Protocol Buffers (protobuf) that involves a null pointer dereference. When processing proto symbols that contain null characters, the parser incorrectly handles the symbol, leading to an unchecked call to the proto file's name during error message generation. Since the file is incorrectly parsed, the file pointer becomes null, resulting in a null pointer dereference when attempting to access it. This vulnerability could potentially lead to application crashes or denial of service conditions.

Overview

This vulnerability (CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference) affects Google Protocol Buffers before version 3.15.0. The issue occurs during the parsing of proto symbols when a null character is present. The parser mishandles these symbols, causing it to incorrectly process the file reference. When the system attempts to generate an error message about the malformed symbol, it tries to access the file name through a null pointer, resulting in a dereference of a null pointer. This can cause application crashes and potential denial of service conditions for applications using the affected protobuf versions.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, users should upgrade to Protocol Buffers version 3.15.0 or later, which contains the fix for this issue. If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider implementing input validation to filter out proto files containing null characters in symbols before processing them with protobuf.

For system administrators:

  1. Identify all systems using Protocol Buffers libraries
  2. Update Protocol Buffers to version 3.15.0 or later
  3. Restart any services that use the updated libraries
  4. Test applications to ensure they function correctly with the updated version

For package maintainers on various distributions, security updates are available through your distribution's package management system, as indicated by the Debian and Fedora security announcements referenced.

References

  • Protocol Buffers release with fix: https://github.com/protocolbuffers/protobuf/releases/tag/v3.15.0
  • Debian LTS security update: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/04/msg00019.html
  • Fedora security updates:
    • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/3DVUZPALAQ34TQP6KFNLM4IZS6B32XSA/
    • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5PAGL5M2KGYPN3VEQCRJJE6NA7D5YG5X/
    • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/BTRGBRC5KGCA4SK5MUNLPYJRAGXMBIYY/
  • NetApp security advisory: https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220429-0005/
  • Oracle security advisory: https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuapr2022.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  5. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  6. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  8. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  9. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  10. Utilities
    Utilities
  11. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  12. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  16. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  17. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  18. Construction
    Construction
  19. Mining
    Mining
  20. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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