CVE-2021-23841

Null pointer deref in X509_issuer_and_serial_hash()

Published Feb 16, 2021 CVSS 3.1 · 5.9 Medium EPSS 7.5% KEV · Not listed
Description
The OpenSSL public API function X509_issuer_and_serial_hash() attempts to create a unique hash value based on the issuer and serial number data contained within an X509 certificate. However it fails to correctly handle any errors that may occur while parsing the issuer field (which might occur if the issuer field is maliciously constructed). This may subsequently result in a NULL pointer deref and a crash leading to a potential denial of service attack. The function X509_issuer_and_serial_hash() is never directly called by OpenSSL itself so applications are only vulnerable if they use this function directly and they use it on certificates that may have been obtained from untrusted sources. OpenSSL versions 1.1.1i and below are affected by this issue. Users of these versions should upgrade to OpenSSL 1.1.1j. OpenSSL versions 1.0.2x and below are affected by this issue. However OpenSSL 1.0.2 is out of support and no longer receiving public updates. Premium support customers of OpenSSL 1.0.2 should upgrade to 1.0.2y. Other users should upgrade to 1.1.1j. Fixed in OpenSSL 1.1.1j (Affected 1.1.1-1.1.1i). Fixed in OpenSSL 1.0.2y (Affected 1.0.2-1.0.2x).

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-2563-1 openssl security update
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-2565-1 openssl1.0 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-4855-1 openssl security update
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2021-1630 The OpenSSL public API function X509_issuer_and_serial_hash() attempts to create a unique hash value based on the issuer and serial number data contained within an X509 certificate. However it fails to correctly handle any errors that may occur while parsing the issuer field (which might occur if the issuer field is maliciously constructed). This may subsequently result in a NULL pointer deref and a crash leading to a potential denial of service attack. The function X509_issuer_and_serial_hash() is never directly called by OpenSSL itself so applications are only vulnerable if they use this function directly and they use it on certificates that may have been obtained from untrusted sources. OpenSSL versions 1.1.1i and below are affected by this issue. Users of these versions should upgrade to OpenSSL 1.1.1j. OpenSSL versions 1.0.2x and below are affected by this issue. However OpenSSL 1.0.2 is out of support and no longer receiving public updates. Premium support customers of OpenSSL 1.0.2 should upgrade to 1.0.2y. Other users should upgrade to 1.1.1j. Fixed in OpenSSL 1.1.1j (Affected 1.1.1-1.1.1i). Fixed in OpenSSL 1.0.2y (Affected 1.0.2-1.0.2x).
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-84rm-qf37-fgc2 Integer Overflow in openssl-src
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4738-1 OpenSSL vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4745-1 OpenSSL vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:/a:redhat:acm:2.2::el7
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:/a:redhat:acm:2.2::el7
cpe:/a:redhat:acm:2.2::el8
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
openssl
Published
Updated
Sep 16, 2024, 10:39 PM
Reserved
Jan 12, 2021, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Feb 16, 2021, 5:15 PM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 3:38 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Feb 16, 2021, 12:00 AM