CVE-2023-33461 in iniparser
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2023
iniparser v4.1 is vulnerable to NULL Pointer Dereference in function iniparser_getlongint which misses check NULL for function iniparser_getstring's return.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33461 affects iniparser version 4.1 and represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the iniparser_getlongint function. This issue stems from inadequate input validation where the function fails to properly check for null returns from the iniparser_getstring function before attempting to dereference the returned pointer. The flaw exists in the configuration file parsing library commonly used in embedded systems and applications that require parsing ini-style configuration files. When an application processes malformed or specially crafted ini files, the iniparser_getlongint function can attempt to access memory at a null address, leading to a segmentation fault and potential application crash. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a fundamental programming error that can lead to denial of service conditions and potentially more severe security implications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when iniparser_getlongint receives a configuration key that maps to a null string value or when the underlying iniparser_getstring function fails to locate a requested key and returns null. The calling function does not validate whether the return value from iniparser_getstring is null before proceeding with operations that assume a valid string pointer. This pattern of missing null checks is a common software defect that can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious ini configuration files designed to trigger this specific code path. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and network appliances where configuration file parsing is a frequent operation and where application crashes can lead to service disruption or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-33461 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable denial of service attacks against systems that rely on iniparser for configuration management. Attackers can craft specially formatted ini files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will cause the target system to crash and restart, potentially leading to availability issues. In environments where configuration files are downloaded from untrusted sources or are subject to user input, this vulnerability can be exploited to disrupt services or potentially gain additional attack surface through system instability. The vulnerability affects any application using iniparser v4.1 that processes ini configuration files, making it particularly relevant to embedded systems, network devices, and IoT appliances that commonly utilize this library for configuration parsing. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service and represents a classic example of how input validation flaws can be leveraged to create system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-33461 should focus on immediate code-level fixes that implement proper null pointer validation before dereferencing return values from iniparser_getstring. The recommended approach involves updating to a patched version of iniparser where the null check has been implemented in the iniparser_getlongint function. Organizations should also implement configuration file validation procedures that can detect and reject malformed ini files before they are processed by applications. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be employed to ensure that configuration files are properly validated for structure and content before processing. System administrators should consider implementing monitoring for unusual application crashes or restart patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should be implemented following secure coding practices that emphasize defensive programming techniques and comprehensive input validation, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and CERT Secure Coding guidelines. Organizations should also conduct thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in existing functionality while maintaining the library's intended behavior for legitimate configuration file processing.