CVE-2021-37616: Null pointer dereference in Exiv2::Internal::resolveLens0x8ff

Published Aug 9, 2021
·
Updated

Exiv2 is a command-line utility and C++ library for reading, writing, deleting, and modifying the metadata of image files. A null pointer dereference was found in Exiv2 versions v0.27.4 and earlier. The null pointer dereference is triggered when Exiv2 is used to print the metadata of a crafted image file. An attacker could potentially exploit the vulnerability to cause a denial of service, if they can trick the victim into running Exiv2 on a crafted image file. Note that this bug is only triggered when printing the interpreted (translated) data, which is a less frequently used Exiv2 operation that requires an extra command line option (-p t or -P t). The bug is fixed in version v0.27.5.

Affected Software

3 affected components
exiv2 exiv2<=0.27.4
fedoraproject fedora=33
fedoraproject fedora=34

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Exiv2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in v0.27.5
  2. Configuration

    Avoid triggering the bug by not using Exiv2's translated-data printing mode (the operation requiring the extra command line option `-p t` or `-P t`) when handling untrusted/crafted image files.

    Exiv2 metadata interpreted/translated printing option = do not use -p t or -P t

Event History

Aug 9, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·07:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-37616?

CVE-2021-37616 is a vulnerability in Exiv2, a command-line utility and C++ library for reading, writing, deleting, and modifying the metadata of image files.

2

How severe is CVE-2021-37616?

CVE-2021-37616 has a severity score of 5.5, indicating a medium level of severity.

3

What is the impacted software for CVE-2021-37616?

Exiv2 versions up to and including v0.27.4 are impacted by CVE-2021-37616. Fedora versions 33 and 34 are also impacted.

4

How can I fix CVE-2021-37616?

Update Exiv2 to a version later than v0.27.4, or update Fedora to a version later than 34.

5

What is the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) for CVE-2021-37616?

CVE-2021-37616 is associated with CWE-476, which is a vulnerability that occurs due to improper NULL termination.

Contact

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