CVE-2021-26603 – A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in ... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-26603?

CVE-2021-26603 has a CVSS score of 8.6 (HIGH). A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ARK library from Bandisoft when the Ark_DigPathA function processes file paths without proper length validation. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by providing specially crafted file paths. Users of software incorporating the vulnerable ARK library are affected.

📋 TL;DR

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ARK library from Bandisoft when the Ark_DigPathA function processes file paths without proper length validation. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by providing specially crafted file paths. Users of software incorporating the vulnerable ARK library are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Bandisoft ARK library
Software using Bandisoft ARK library

Versions: All versions prior to patched release

Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS (if library is cross-platform)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Specific affected applications depend on which software incorporates the vulnerable ARK library

📦 What is this software?

Ark Library by Bandisoft

View all CVEs affecting Ark Library →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution with SYSTEM/root privileges leading to complete system compromise

🟠

Likely Case

Application crash (denial of service) or limited code execution within application context

🟢

If Mitigated

Application crash with no privilege escalation if proper sandboxing/ASLR is implemented

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM - Requires user interaction or specific file processing scenarios

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Could be exploited via malicious files on network shares or email attachments

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires triggering the vulnerable function with malicious input, likely through file operations

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check with software vendors using ARK library

Vendor Advisory: https://www.boho.or.kr/krcert/secNoticeView.do?bulletin_writing_sequence=36237

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Identify software using Bandisoft ARK library. 2. Contact software vendor for patched version. 3. Apply vendor-provided updates. 4. Restart affected applications/services.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict file processing

all

Limit file processing capabilities of applications using ARK library

Application sandboxing

all

Run vulnerable applications with reduced privileges and isolation

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Network segmentation to isolate systems using vulnerable software
Implement strict file upload/processing controls and scanning

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check with software vendors if their products use Bandisoft ARK library and request vulnerability assessment

Check Version:

Varies by application - check vendor documentation

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify software version is updated to vendor-provided patched release

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Application crashes with memory access violations
Unusual file path processing errors

Network Indicators:

Unusual file transfers to applications using ARK library

SIEM Query:

Application: (ARK OR Bandisoft) AND Event: (Crash OR AccessViolation)

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-26603

CVSS v3 Score: 8.6 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-122

Published: September 9, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.boho.or.kr/krcert/secNoticeView.do?bulletin_writing_sequence=36237 Third Party Advisory
https://www.boho.or.kr/krcert/secNoticeView.do?bulletin_writing_sequence=36237 Third Party Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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