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CVE Record

CVE-2020-21838: A heap based buffer overflow vulnerability exits in GNU LibreDWG 0.10 via: read_2004_section_appinfo ../../...

A heap based buffer overflow vulnerability exits in GNU LibreDWG 0.10 via: read_2004_section_appinfo ../../src/decode.c:2842.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2020-21838 is a reported heap-based buffer overflow in GNU LibreDWG 0.10 while decoding DWG data. For executives, the main concern is any business process that ingests untrusted DWG files. Public metadata does not provide a CVSS score, confirmed patch version, or evidence of active exploitation.

Executive priority

Treat as a focused risk item for teams handling CAD/DWG files. It is not currently supported by public evidence of exploitation, but memory corruption in file parsing deserves timely inventory, vendor review, and reduction of untrusted file exposure.

Technical view

The CVE describes a heap-based buffer overflow in GNU LibreDWG 0.10 in read_2004_section_appinfo at src/decode.c:2842. The issue appears tied to parsing DWG content. Public sources list limited affected-product metadata and no CWE, CVSS vector, exploit status, or remediation version.

Likely exposure

Organizations are most exposed if they use GNU LibreDWG 0.10 directly or through applications, services, CI jobs, or converters that parse DWG files, especially files received from external parties.

Exploitation context

No cited source or KEV entry indicates active exploitation. The public description supports memory corruption during DWG parsing, but does not document exploitability, prerequisites, or real-world attacks.

Researcher notes

Evidence is sparse. The CVE record names GNU LibreDWG 0.10 and a specific function/location, but public metadata lacks CVSS, CWE, affected CPEs, and a named fixed release. Avoid assuming downstream products are affected without confirming embedded LibreDWG use.

Mitigation direction

  • Identify systems using GNU LibreDWG 0.10 or bundled LibreDWG components.
  • Avoid processing untrusted DWG files with affected LibreDWG deployments.
  • Check LibreDWG project guidance, issue history, and release notes for fixes.
  • Run DWG parsing workloads with least privilege and isolation.
  • Prioritize upgrades or compensating controls for internet-facing or automated ingestion workflows.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory packages, containers, and applications for GNU LibreDWG 0.10.
  • Confirm whether DWG files from external sources are parsed automatically.
  • Review the referenced LibreDWG GitHub issue for project context.
  • Check vendor or distribution advisories for backported fixes.
  • Document compensating controls where upgrade status is unclear.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
3

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
2Source links

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CVECVE Program Container

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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