CVE-2021-32292 is a critical vulnerability affecting json-c, specifically in the auxiliary sample program json_parse. This issue has been officially documented and presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing this library. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-buffer overflow, which could potentially be exploited by attackers to achieve unauthorized access or perform malicious actions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, meaning that no special conditions or privileges are needed for an attacker to exploit the vulnerability. Consequently, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Risk to organizations includes potential data breaches due to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts associated with this vulnerability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, leading to system compromise.
Currently, there are no confirmed public exploits or proofs of concept available for this vulnerability. However, the risk remains due to its critical nature, and organizations should address it in their priority patch cycle.
Vulnerability Details
An issue was discovered in json-c from 20200420 (post 0.14 unreleased code) through 0.15-20200726. A stack-buffer-overflow exists in the auxiliary sample program json_parse which is located in the function parseit. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787.
The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, leading to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected products include json-c versions 0.15-20200726 and the NetApp Active IQ Unified Manager. The vulnerability was published on August 22, 2023.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of buffer sizes in the json_parse function. This oversight allows for a stack-buffer overflow, which can be exploited by crafting specific input data. The attack vector is network-based, making it accessible to remote attackers.
The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions are required to exploit the vulnerability. Attackers need not possess any privileges, nor is user interaction necessary. The impacts are severe, as the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk is significant due to the critical nature of this vulnerability. Organizations using json-c in their applications face potential breaches, with attackers potentially gaining control over systems and sensitive data.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is high. Given its critical CVSS score and the potential for widespread impact, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts immediately. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in severe operational disruptions and data loss.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions are affected by this vulnerability: json-c version 0.15-20200726 and all versions of NetApp Active IQ Unified Manager prior to the vendor patch.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should ensure they upgrade to a patched version of json-c to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, organizations should consider implementing workarounds such as disabling the affected components until a patch can be applied.
Additionally, organizations should implement configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure to potential exploitation. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity should also be established to detect any attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
For further details on patch management and security assessments, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for log indicators related to the json_parse function will help in detection. Look for abnormal behavior in the application when processing JSON inputs.
Behavioral anomalies in applications utilizing json-c, especially when handling large or complex JSON data, should be flagged for investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability reflects ongoing challenges in secure coding practices, particularly with buffer management in widely used libraries such as json-c.
Security teams should prioritize vulnerability assessments regularly to identify similar risks. For comprehensive strategies, organizations should consider engaging in vulnerability management programs and enhancing their security posture through penetration testing methodologies to uncover potential weaknesses.
Investing in continuous security testing is essential for organizations to adapt to emerging threats effectively. For more insights, consider reading our cloud security assessment guide for best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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