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CVE Record

CVE-2021-38714: In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execut...

In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is found in ssgLoadTGA() function in src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx file.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-38714 is a Plib image-loading flaw. A specially crafted TGA file could trigger an integer overflow and potentially lead to arbitrary code execution in software using Plib through 1.85. The bundle does not provide CVSS, CWE, or active exploitation evidence.

Executive priority

Treat as an inventory-driven remediation item. Prioritize systems processing untrusted image files or using old bundled Plib builds, but do not claim emergency exploitation without new evidence.

Technical view

The issue is an integer overflow in ssgLoadTGA() in src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx. The CVE states Plib through 1.85 is affected and that code execution could result. Debian LTS and Fedora published security updates, but the bundle does not include detailed patch mechanics.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in systems or applications that include Plib through 1.85 and parse TGA files, especially from untrusted sources. The bundle lists affected vendor/product metadata as n/a, so inventory must confirm actual Plib use.

Exploitation context

No source in the bundle states active exploitation, and the CVE is not marked KEV. Practical risk depends on whether attackers can supply TGA files to software paths that call ssgLoadTGA().

Researcher notes

Evidence is limited to the CVE description and distro advisories. The key validation questions are whether Plib is present, whether the vulnerable TGA loader is reachable, and whether inputs are attacker-controlled.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply Debian or Fedora security updates where Plib is distro-managed.
  • Check upstream or vendor guidance for fixed Plib versions or patches.
  • Restrict untrusted TGA file processing until remediation is confirmed.
  • Rebuild dependent applications after updating static or bundled Plib copies.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory packages and source trees for Plib through 1.85.
  • Identify applications that call Plib TGA-loading functionality.
  • Confirm Debian or Fedora package versions include the security update.
  • Review file-upload and media-processing paths for untrusted TGA inputs.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2021-38714 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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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
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.