Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in UPX-UCL Package: CVE-2021-43316
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2021-43316: A heap-based buffer overflow was discovered in upx, during the generic pointer 'p' points to an inaccessible address in func get_le64(). Affects upx-ucl versions < 4.2.2-1. Fixed in 4.2.2-1. 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
UPX (Ultimate Packer for eXecutables) is a popular open-source executable packer that compresses executable files to reduce their size. It is widely used in various software distributions to optimize storage and improve download times. However, the UPX-UCL variant has been identified to have a vulnerability that can lead to serious security risks if not addressed promptly.
Vulnerability Detail
A heap-based buffer overflow was discovered in the UPX-UCL package, specifically in the function get_le64(). This vulnerability arises when a generic pointer 'p' points to an inaccessible memory address, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application. The implications of this vulnerability can be severe, as it may lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of system resources.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
4.2.2-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade upx-uclTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users are advised to avoid using the affected functionality of the UPX-UCL package until the update is applied. This may involve refraining from compressing executables or using alternative tools for the time being.
Conclusion
The UPX-UCL package has a critical vulnerability (CVE-2021-43316) that can lead to serious security issues if not addressed. Users are strongly encouraged to update to the latest patched version to protect their systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for upx-ucl →
FAQ
CVE-2021-43316 is a vulnerability in the UPX-UCL package that allows for a heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
The risks include unauthorized access to system resources, potential data corruption, and the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Yes, a patch is available in version 4.2.2-1 of the UPX-UCL package. Users should update to this version or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
If immediate updates are not possible, refrain from using the affected functionalities of the UPX-UCL package until the update can be applied.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for upx-ucl.
