CVE-2021-45951

Dnsmasq 2.86 has a heap-based buffer overflow in check_bad_address (called from check_for_bogus_wildcard and FuzzCheckForBogusWildcard)

published December 31, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
3%
Percentile
84.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A heap-based buffer overflow in Dnsmasq 2.86 could be more than a hiccup for your DNS resolution! Think of it like a restaurant kitchen where a chef accidentally spills too much soup on the floor — if no one cleans it up, someone might slip and fall. In this case, the spill could cause unexpected behavior in your DNS services! If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to system instability or unexpected behavior in applications relying on Dnsmasq. While the vendor claims that it may not represent a real risk, the potential for chaotic DNS resolution issues could still disrupt network services.

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant kitchen where a chef accidentally spills too much soup on the floor — if no one cleans it up, someone might slip and fall. In this case, the spill could cause unexpected behavior in your DNS services! This vulnerability occurs in Dnsmasq's check_bad_address function, which is susceptible to a heap-based buffer overflow when handling specific address inputs. It could allow attackers to manipulate memory and affect application flow, potentially leading to crashes or erratic behavior.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to system instability or unexpected behavior in applications relying on Dnsmasq. While the vendor claims that it may not represent a real risk, the potential for chaotic DNS resolution issues could still disrupt network services. Keep an eye on updates from Dnsmasq and consider implementing security measures like input validation and proper error handling. While the vendor currently downplays the risk, staying informed and proactive is key! You've got this! Stay vigilant, keep your systems updated, and you’ll remain a security hero! 🦸

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02519 · 84.7th percentile
Published
2021-12-31T23:54Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 31 DEC 23:54Z
    Dnsmasq 2.86 has a heap-based buffer overflow in check_bad_address (called from check_for_bogus_wildcard and FuzzCheckForBogusWildcard)
    cvelistv5