Vulnerability identifier: #VU57849

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 2.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N/E:P/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-42694

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Unicode
Universal components / Libraries / Libraries used by multiple products

Vendor: Unicode inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass certain security checks.

The vulnerability exists in the character definitions of the Unicode Specification. The specification allows an attacker to produce source code identifiers such as function names using homoglyphs that render visually identical to a target identifier. Adversaries can leverage this to inject code via adversarial identifier definitions in upstream software dependencies invoked deceptively in downstream software.

Mitigation
Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

Unicode: 4.1.0 - 14.0.0

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External links
http://trojansource.codes
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/11/01/1
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/11/01/6

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.