CVE-2021-22570: 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'...

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.66%

83.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Google	Protobuf	< 3.15.0
Debian	Debian Linux	9.0
Debian	Debian Linux	10.0
Debian	Debian Linux	11.0
Fedoraproject	Fedora	34
Fedoraproject	Fedora	35
Fedoraproject	Fedora	36
Oracle	Mysql	<= 8.0.28
Netapp	Active Iq Unified Manager	All versions
Netapp	Oncommand Insight	All versions
Netapp	Oncommand Workflow Automation	All versions
Netapp	Snapcenter	All versions

References

Timeline

Published: Jan 26, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-22570?

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.

How severe is CVE-2021-22570?

CVE-2021-22570 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.66% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22570?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.