CVE-2022-3509: Parsing issue in protobuf textformat

Published Nov 1, 2022
·
Updated

A parsing issue similar to CVE-2022-3171, but with textformat in protobuf-java core and lite versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6 and 3.16.3 can lead to a denial of service attack. Inputs containing multiple instances of non-repeated embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields causes objects to be converted back-n-forth between mutable and immutable forms, resulting in potentially long garbage collection pauses. We recommend updating to the versions mentioned above.

Other sources

protobuf-java core and lite are vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by a flaw in the parsing procedure for textformat data. By sending non-repeated embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields, a remote authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause long garbage collection pauses.

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/protobuf-java<3.21.7
3.21.7
redhat/protobuf-java<3.20.3
3.20.3
redhat/protobuf-java<3.19.6
3.19.6
redhat/protobuf-java<3.16.3
3.16.3
Google protobuf-java>=3.16.0<3.16.3
Google protobuf-java>=3.19.0<3.19.6
Google protobuf-java>=3.20.0<3.20.3
Google protobuf-java>=3.21.0<3.21.7
Google protobuf-javalite>=3.16.0<3.16.3
Google protobuf-javalite>=3.17.0<3.19.6
Google protobuf-javalite>=3.20.0<3.20.3
Google protobuf-javalite>=3.21.0<3.21.7
IBM Security Verify Governance<=10.0

Event History

Nov 1, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:09 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:09 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Dec 12, 2022
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2022-3509?

CVE-2022-3509 is a vulnerability in protobuf-java core and lite that allows a remote authenticated attacker to cause a denial of service by exploiting a flaw in the parsing procedure for textformat data.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2022-3509?

The severity of CVE-2022-3509 is medium with a CVSS score of 5.7.

3

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2022-3509?

An attacker can exploit CVE-2022-3509 by sending non-repeated embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields.

4

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2022-3509?

The affected software versions are protobuf-java 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3.

5

How do I fix CVE-2022-3509?

To fix CVE-2022-3509, update protobuf-java to version 3.21.7 or apply the appropriate fix provided by the vendor.

Contact

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