MEDIUM
CVE-2021-22570
CWE-476Published: January 26, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Nullptr dereference when a null char is present in a proto symbol. The symbol is parsed incorrectly, leading to an unchecked call into the proto file's name during generation of the resulting error message. Since the symbol is incorrectly parsed, the file is nullptr. We recommend upgrading to version 3.15.0 or greater.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-22570 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (22)
→
https://github.com/protocolbuffers/protobuf/releases/tag/v3.15.0Release Notes · Third Party Advisory
→
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220429-0005/Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuapr2022.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
https://github.com/protocolbuffers/protobuf/releases/tag/v3.15.0Release Notes · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2021-22570
CVSS Score5.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-476
CISA KEVNo
Affected5 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 26, 2022
Related CVEs (CWE-476)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-22570 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.