This vulnerability allows an out-of-bounds heap read in NASA's CryptoLib, which provides a software-only solution for securing communications between spacecraft and ground stations using the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol. The flaw, occurring in the cryptography_encrypt() function, involves a flawed strtok iteration pattern that can read one byte past allocated buffer boundaries when processing malformed metadata strings. This issue impacts all versions prior to 1.4.3.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.2, indicating a high severity level. The high availability impact means that this vulnerability could potentially disrupt operations of systems utilizing the affected library. Given the nature of the flaw, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks.
As of now, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability in the wild, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, due to the high severity and potential impact, organizations should remain vigilant.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, especially those that rely on NASA's CryptoLib for secure communications to avert potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
CryptoLib provides a software-only solution using the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures (SDLS-EP) to secure communications between a spacecraft running the core Flight System (cFS) and a ground station. Prior to version 1.4.3, an out-of-bounds heap read vulnerability in cryptography_encrypt() occurs when parsing JSON metadata from KMC server responses. The flawed strtok iteration pattern uses ptr + strlen(ptr) + 1 which reads one byte past allocated buffer boundaries when processing short or malformed metadata strings. This issue has been patched in version 1.4.3.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125. The CVSS 4.0 score reflects a high severity, with an attack vector of NETWORK and low attack complexity.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability stems from the improper handling of buffer boundaries during the parsing of JSON metadata. The flawed strtok pattern leads to an out-of-bounds read, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing a program crash. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit this flaw remotely without needing physical access to the affected system.
The attack complexity is classified as low, indicating that an attacker could exploit the vulnerability with minimal effort. There are no privileges required to exploit this vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary. The confidentiality impact is none, while the integrity impact is also none; however, the availability impact is high, as the vulnerability could disrupt the operations of affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations that utilize NASA's CryptoLib for managing secure communications between space and ground systems. The potential blast radius of an exploit could lead to severe operational disruptions, especially in critical missions that rely on real-time data integrity and availability.
Given the CVSS score of 8.2, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency for remediation is underscored by the potential availability impact, which could affect mission-critical operations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch 1.4.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Users of NASA's CryptoLib should ensure they are using version 1.4.3 or later to avoid this issue.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to CryptoLib version 1.4.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to affected systems and monitor for unusual activities.
For effective risk management, organizations can engage in continuous penetration testing that helps identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To assist in detecting potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for abnormal JSON response patterns and any unauthorized access attempts to the cryptography_encrypt() function. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in the application or infrastructure should be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2026-21900 lies in the potential for operational disruption in environments utilizing NASA's CryptoLib for secure communications. This incident highlights the importance of thorough code reviews and vulnerability assessments during the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues.
Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about vulnerabilities in critical libraries they use, and maintain an agile remediation strategy to address newly discovered vulnerabilities swiftly. For a comprehensive approach to vulnerability management, consider exploring the vulnerability management program that aligns with industry best practices.
Additionally, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to uncover hidden vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
In conclusion, CVE-2026-21900 serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that can emerge in software components and the critical need for vigilance in software security practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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