CVE-2021-36159

libfetch before 2021-07-26, as used in apk-tools, xbps, and other products, mishandles numeric strings for the FTP and HTTP protocols

published August 3, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
3%
Percentile
85.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky out-of-bounds read lurks in the libfetch implementation! This flaw could trip up your FTP and HTTP connections like a delivery driver navigating a poorly marked route. 🚚 Think of it like a post office package handler who occasionally opens boxes without checking the contents first. If they don’t verify the package thoroughly, they could end up reading someone else’s mail by mistake! An attacker could potentially read sensitive data if the numeric strings in an FTP passive connection are mishandled. While this isn't an immediate crisis, it could expose information that shouldn't be accessible, leading to unexpected leaks of data. 🛡️

Put simply

Think of it like a post office package handler who occasionally opens boxes without checking the contents first. If they don’t verify the package thoroughly, they could end up reading someone else’s mail by mistake! This vulnerability arises because libfetch, used in tools like apk-tools and xbps, mishandles numeric string parsing, allowing an out-of-bounds read in FTP passive mode due to a missing check for end-of-line termination.

What to do

An attacker could potentially read sensitive data if the numeric strings in an FTP passive connection are mishandled. While this isn't an immediate crisis, it could expose information that shouldn't be accessible, leading to unexpected leaks of data. 🛡️ Update libfetch to version 2021-07-26 or later to mitigate the risk. Additionally, audit any applications relying on older versions to ensure they're not handling numeric strings improperly. ⚡ You can tackle this! Stay vigilant and update your components for a smoother, more secure experience. You've got this! 💪🏽

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02637 · 85.4th percentile
Published
2021-08-03T13:22Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 AUG 13:22Z
    libfetch before 2021-07-26, as used in apk-tools, xbps, and other products, mishandles numeric strings for the FTP and HTTP protocols
    cvelistv5