CVE-2021-22570: Nullptr Dereference in Protobuf
Noroxi assessment
Priority: Monitor (action score 23/100)
- The sources we track (CISA KEV, Exploit-DB, Metasploit, Nuclei, GitHub) show no public exploit code or exploitation in the wild.
- Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days: 2.6% (FIRST EPSS); higher than 85.8% of all records.
- Someone with local access to the system can trigger it. A low-privileged account is enough. No user action is required. No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
- Fixed version: Google LLC Protobuf 3.15.0.
Low priority for now. Upgrade to Google LLC Protobuf 3.15.0 or later.
Generated automatically from the record's data: CVSS (NVD and CNA), CISA KEV and SSVC, FIRST EPSS, exploit sources, fixed versions. How we calculate it
Primary sources: NVD · CVE.org · FIRST EPSS
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.
- BDU:2023-03824
- GHSA-77rm-9x9h-xj3g
- ALSA-2022:7464
- ALSA-2022:7970
- DLA-3393-1
- openSUSE-SU-2022:0823-1
- openSUSE-SU-2022:1040-1
- PYSEC-2022-48
- RHSA-2022:7464
- RHSA-2022:7970
- RHSA-2022:8847
- RHSA-2022:8860
- RHSA-2024:3433
- RLSA-2022:7464
- RLSA-2022:7970
- SUSE-SU-2022:1040-1
- SUSE-SU-2022:1040-2
- SUSE-SU-2022:1040-3
- SUSE-SU-2023:2783-1
- SUSE-SU-2023:2783-2
- Published
- Jan 26, 2022
- Updated
- Jun 16, 2026
- EPSS
- 2.6% · 85th percentile
- CWE
- CWE-476
Report tools
Action score
23
Low priority for now.
- CVSS
- 22 / 40 · 5.5 / 10
- CISA KEV
- 0 / 30 · Not listed
- EPSS
- 1 / 30 · 2.6%
CISA SSVC decision
- Exploitation
- none
- Automatable
- no
- Technical impact
- partial
Vulnrichment: CISA's decision-tree inputs.
CNA vs NVD score
- NVD
- 5.5
- CNA · Google
- 6.5
- 1.0 point gap
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
The score given by the assigning authority versus NVD’s independent score. A gap means the severity is contested.
Get told when this record changes
- Not in KEV: no record of exploitation in the wild
- No public exploit code on record
- A fix has been released
If any of these changes, we'll tell you in the daily email digest.
Is your version affected? Check itNoroxi analysis
What does it mean in your environment?
The assessment above is generated automatically from the record's data; it doesn't know your environment. Our team verifies on your systems whether this vulnerability is actually exploitable and which mitigation is enough.
We use this product, ask for helpAffected systems
Is your version affected?
Pick the product and type the version you run. It's compared with this record's version ranges in your browser; the version isn't sent anywhere.
| Vendor | Product | CPE |
|---|---|---|
| protobuf | cpe:2.3:a:google:protobuf | |
| debian | debian linux | cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux |
| fedoraproject | fedora | cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora |
| oracle | mysql | cpe:2.3:a:oracle:mysql |
| netapp | active iq unified manager | cpe:2.3:a:netapp:active_iq_unified_manager |
| netapp | oncommand insight | cpe:2.3:a:netapp:oncommand_insight |
| netapp | oncommand workflow automation | cpe:2.3:a:netapp:oncommand_workflow_automation |
| netapp | snapcenter | cpe:2.3:a:netapp:snapcenter |
Versions reported by the vendor
Affected version ranges reported by the assigning authority (Google). Independent of NVD's CPE analysis and usually ahead of it.
Google LLC Protobuf
- unspecified and later · before 3.15.0affected
Affected versions
NVD version ranges (for catalog products). Add the product to your stack with a version and matching uses these.
- oracle mysqlup to 8.0.28 inclusive
Package-level exposure
OSV and GitHub Advisory data: ecosystem, package and range. SBOM matching uses this table.
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux:8 | protobuf | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:8 | protobuf-compiler | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:8 | protobuf-devel | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:8 | protobuf-lite | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:8 | protobuf-lite-devel | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:8 | python3-protobuf | before 3.5.0-15.el8 | 3.5.0-15.el8 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | protobuf | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | protobuf-compiler | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | protobuf-devel | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | protobuf-lite | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | protobuf-lite-devel | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| AlmaLinux:9 | python3-protobuf | before 3.14.0-13.el9 | 3.14.0-13.el9 |
| Debian:10 | protobuf | before 3.6.1.3-2+deb10u1 | 3.6.1.3-2+deb10u1 |
| Debian:12 | protobuf | before 3.21.9-3 | 3.21.9-3 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | protobuf | before 3.5.0-5.5.1 | 3.5.0-5.5.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | protobuf | before 3.9.2-4.12.1 | 3.9.2-4.12.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | azure-cli-core | before 2.17.1-150100.6.18.1 | 2.17.1-150100.6.18.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-constantly | before 15.1.0-150000.3.4.1 | 15.1.0-150000.3.4.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-humanfriendly | before 10.0-150100.6.3.3 | 10.0-150100.6.3.3 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-hyperlink | before 17.2.1-150000.3.4.1 | 17.2.1-150000.3.4.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-jsondiff | before 1.3.0-150100.3.6.3 | 1.3.0-150100.3.6.3 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-knack | before 0.9.0-150100.3.7.3 | 0.9.0-150100.3.7.3 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-websocket-client | before 1.3.2-150100.6.7.3 | 1.3.2-150100.6.7.3 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | python-zope.interface | before 4.4.2-150000.3.4.1 | 4.4.2-150000.3.4.1 |
+67
Same product
google: all recordsOther highest-scoring records for the same primary product.
- CVE-2024-2410Use after free in C++ protobuf39Monitor
- CVE-2015-5237protobuf allows remote authenticated attackers to cause a heap-based buffer overflow.36Monitor
- CVE-2024-7254Stack overflow in Protocol Buffers Java Lite35Monitor
Published before and after this one in the same product
- Later →CVE-2026-0994Jan 23, 2026 · Denial of Service in Python Protobuf32Monitor
Remediation
Which version to upgrade to
Fix versions compiled from the vendor, package registries and Microsoft. Verify the vendor's note before upgrading.
| Product / package | Fixed version | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Google LLC Protobuf | 3.15.0 · description | Vendor (CNA) |
| almalinux:protobuf | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| almalinux:protobuf-compiler | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| almalinux:protobuf-devel | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| almalinux:protobuf-lite | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| almalinux:protobuf-lite-devel | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| almalinux:python3-protobuf | 3.5.0-15.el8 · AlmaLinux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| debian:protobuf | 3.21.9-3 · Debian:12 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:azure-cli-core | 2.17.1-150100.6.18.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:protobuf | 3.5.0-5.5.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-constantly | 15.1.0-150000.3.4.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-humanfriendly | 10.0-150100.6.3.3 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-hyperlink | 17.2.1-150000.3.4.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-jsondiff | 1.3.0-150100.3.6.3 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-knack | 0.9.0-150100.3.7.3 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-websocket-client | 1.3.2-150100.6.7.3 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:python-zope.interface | 4.4.2-150000.3.4.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.4 | Package registry (OSV) |
| PyPI:protobuf | 3.15.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-compiler | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-compiler-debuginfo | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-debuginfo | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-debugsource | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-devel | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::crb | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-lite | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-lite-debuginfo | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:protobuf-lite-devel | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::crb | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:python3-protobuf | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Red Hat:enterprise_linux:8::appstream | Package registry (OSV) |
| rocky linux:protobuf | 0:3.5.0-15.el8 · Rocky Linux:8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:azure-cli-core | 2.17.1-150100.6.18.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Public Cloud 15 SP1 | Package registry (OSV) |
+12
Exploit status
No known public exploit
No public exploit has been observed yet. That doesn't mean you're safe, only that the bar is a little higher.
Research context
For pentesters and researchers: attack profile, score disagreement, timeline, patch commits, credits, variant and chain candidates, bug bounty scope. All derived from existing data; no exploit code.
Timeline
From publication to today: proof of concept, Metasploit module, CISA KEV and fix record. Dates are as reported by the sources.
No dated events beyond publication.
Not on record for this CVE: EPSS history · patch commit or PR link · researcher credit · variant or chain candidate · public bounty program.
Technical details
Attack conditions
- Someone with local access to the system can trigger it.
- A low-privileged account is enough.
- No user action is required.
- No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
If successful
- Confidentiality
- none
- Integrity
- none
- Availability
- high · the service can be disrupted
- Attack vector
- Local
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality impact
- None
- Integrity impact
- None
- Availability impact
- High
Weakness class (CWE)
CWE-476 · NULL Pointer DereferenceCVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
nvd-primary
Attack context
MITRE CAPEC attack patterns and ATT&CK techniques for this weakness class (CWE). A starting point for detection rules and threat hunting.
MITRE has no CAPEC/ATT&CK mapping for this CWE.
Change log (1)
- Fix✗ → ✓
For records you follow, these changes also arrive as notifications. →
References
Show all references (10 more)Show less
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/04/msg00019.html
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/3DVUZPALAQ34TQP6KFNLM4IZS6B32XSA/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5PAGL5M2KGYPN3VEQCRJJE6NA7D5YG5X/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/BTRGBRC5KGCA4SK5MUNLPYJRAGXMBIYY/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/IFX6KPNOFHYD6L4XES5PCM3QNSKZBOTQ/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/KQJB6ZPRLKV6WCMX2PRRRQBFAOXFBK6B/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/MRWRAXAFR3JR7XCFWTHC2KALSZKWACCE/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/NVTWVQRB5OCCTMKEQFY5MYED3DXDVSLP/
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220429-0005/
- www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuapr2022.html
Vendor advisories and official records. Exploit/PoC links are deliberately left out.