CVE-2021-37623: Denial of service due to infinite loop in JpegBase::printStructure (#2)
Exiv2 is a command-line utility and C++ library for reading, writing, deleting, and modifying the metadata of image files. An infinite loop was found in Exiv2 versions v0.27.4 and earlier. The infinite loop is triggered when Exiv2 is used to modify 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 deleting the IPTC data, which is a less frequently used Exiv2 operation that requires an extra command line option (-d I rm). The bug is fixed in version v0.27.5.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Exiv2to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in v0.27.5 - Configuration
Avoid the Exiv2 operation that triggers the bug: deleting the IPTC data using the extra command line option structure ("-d I rm"), unless you need it.
Exiv2 command-line Deleting IPTC data via extra command line option (-d I rm) = Do not use / avoid the IPTC-delete command line option unless required
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2021-37623?
CVE-2021-37623 has been classified with a moderate severity level due to its potential to cause an infinite loop in vulnerable applications.
How do I fix CVE-2021-37623?
To fix CVE-2021-37623, update Exiv2 to version 0.27.5 or later where the infinite loop vulnerability has been addressed.
Which versions of Exiv2 are affected by CVE-2021-37623?
CVE-2021-37623 affects Exiv2 versions up to and including 0.27.4.
What types of systems are impacted by CVE-2021-37623?
CVE-2021-37623 impacts systems running affected versions of Exiv2, including Fedora versions 33 and 34.
What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2021-37623?
The vulnerability in CVE-2021-37623 is an infinite loop that can be triggered when Exiv2 processes crafted image files.