Memory Leak in Privoxy (CVE-2021-20215)
Summary
CVE-2021-20215: A flaw was found in Privoxy in versions before 3.0.29. Memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler when memory allocations fail can lead to a system crash. Affects privoxy versions < 3.0.29-r0. Fixed in 3.0.29-r0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Privoxy is an open-source web proxy server that provides advanced filtering capabilities for enhancing privacy, security, and anonymity while browsing the internet. It acts as an intermediary between the user's device and the web server, filtering and modifying web page content as per user-defined rules. Privoxy is widely used to block ads, remove tracking cookies, and protect against various web-based threats. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in Privoxy versions before 3.0.29 that can lead to a system crash due to memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler when memory allocations fail.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-20215) in Privoxy arises from memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler. When memory allocations fail, the handler does not properly release the allocated memory, leading to a gradual depletion of available memory resources. As a result, the system may eventually crash, causing denial of service. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with network access to the affected Privoxy instance. The impact of this vulnerability can range from service disruption to potential data loss if the system crashes during critical operations.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.0.29-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade privoxyTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to upgrade to the fixed version of Privoxy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability (CVE-2021-20215) in Privoxy can lead to system crashes due to memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler. Upgrading to version 3.0.29 or later is crucial to mitigate the risk of service disruption and potential data loss. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for privoxy →
FAQ
Privoxy is an open-source web proxy server that enhances privacy, security, and anonymity while browsing the internet. It filters and modifies web page content based on user-defined rules.
The vulnerability can lead to a system crash due to memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler. This can result in service disruption and potential data loss if the system crashes during critical operations.
An attacker with network access to the affected Privoxy instance can exploit this vulnerability by triggering memory allocations that fail, leading to memory leaks and eventual system crashes.
Yes, upgrading Privoxy to version 3.0.29 or later will fix this vulnerability by addressing the memory leaks in the show-status CGI handler.
No, only versions before 3.0.29 are affected by this vulnerability. It is recommended to upgrade to the fixed version to mitigate the risk.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for privoxy.
