Unicode Specification Vulnerability Affecting Software Code via Homoglyphs
CVE-2021-42694

8.3HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Unicode

Status
Unicode
Vendor
CVE Published:
1 November 2021

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 11%

What is CVE-2021-42694?

A security issue exists in the Unicode Specification which allows attackers to create source code identifiers that appear visually identical to legitimate identifiers by using homoglyphs. This vulnerability enables adversaries to inject malicious code through deceptive identifiers in upstream software. As a result, downstream software may execute this harmful code without detection by human reviewers. This issue presents risks for applications utilizing the Unicode Standard and is documented in Unicode Technical Report #36, with mitigation strategies outlined in Unicode Technical Standard #39.

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2021-42694
Created by simplylu

References

http://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode14.0.0/
https://trojansource.codes
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/11/01/1
mailing-list

EPSS Score

11% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
8.3
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
High
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
Required
Scope:
Changed

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.