CVE-2021-33657 Memory corruption in SDL2

High 8.8 Published 1 Apr 2022 Updated 3 Aug 2024

A heap overflow in SDL2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via malicious BMP files.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2021-33657?

CVE-2021-33657 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in SDL2, published on 1 Apr 2022. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

There is a heap overflow problem in video/SDL_pixels.c in SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) 2.x to 2.0.18 versions. By crafting a malicious .BMP file, an attacker can cause the application using this library to crash, denial of service or Code execution.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-33657?

It affects 1 product.

Linux distribution packages (24)

`SDL2` SUSE:Enterprise Storage 6	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Enterprise Storage 7	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1-ESPOS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP1-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2-ESPOS	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15-ESPOS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Desktop Applications 15 SP3	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP3	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP4	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Real Time 15 SP2	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-BCL	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP2-BCL	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP2-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15-LTSS	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 SP1	All versions	`2.0.8-150000.3.21.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 SP2	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Manager Proxy 4.1	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Manager Retail Branch Server 4.1	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` SUSE:Manager Server 4.1	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`
`SDL2` openSUSE:Leap 15.3	All versions	`2.0.8-150200.11.6.1`

Products include Libsdl Simple Directmedia Layer.

How do I fix CVE-2021-33657?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2021-33657 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-33657 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-33657, GHSA-9276-2w6v-wx4c, JLSEC-2026-364, MGASA-2022-0326, OESA-2022-1592, SUSE-SU-2022:1218-1 and 4 more.