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Uncontrolled Resource Consumption in com.google.protobuf:protobuf-java

CVE-2022-3171

  • com.google.protobuf:protobuf-java
  • com.google.protobuf:protobuf-javalite
  • com.google.protobuf:protobuf-kotlin
  • com.google.protobuf:protobuf-kotlin-lite
  • com.google.protobuf:protobuf-lite
  • google-protobuf
High
7.5/10

Summary

A parsing issue with binary data in protobuf-java core and lite versions prior to 3.16.3, 3.17.0-rc-1 prior to 3.19.6, 3.20.0-rc-1 prior to 3.20.3 and 3.21.0-rc-1 prior to 3.21.7 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.

  • LOW
  • NETWORK
  • NONE
  • UNCHANGED
  • NONE
  • NONE
  • NONE
  • HIGH

CWE-400 - Uncontrolled resource consumption

An uncontrolled resource allocation attack (also known as resource exhaustion attack) triggers unauthorized overconsumption of the limited resources in an application, such as memory, file system storage, database connection pool entries, and CPU. This may lead to denial of service for valid users and degradation of the application's functionality as well as that of the host operating system.

References

Advisory Timeline

  • Published