CVE-2021-1071 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NVIDIA Tegra kernel in Jetson AGX Xavier Series, Jetson Xavier NX, TX1, TX2, Nano and Nano 2GB, all L4T versions prior to r32.5, contains a vulnerability in the INA3221 driver which may allow unauthorized users to access system power usage data, leading to potential information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-1071

This CVE impacts NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier Series, Jetson Xavier NX, TX1, TX2, Nano, and Nano 2GB devices, exposing a vulnerability that could result in unauthorized access to sensitive system power data.

What is CVE-2021-1071?

The CVE-2021-1071 vulnerability involves improper access control in the NVIDIA Tegra kernel, specifically in the INA3221 driver. This flaw could be exploited by unauthorized users to gain access to system power usage data, potentially leading to information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1071

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 5.6. While it requires low privileges for exploitation, it poses a high risk to confidentiality as unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive system power data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1071

This section covers specific technical details related to the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the NVIDIA Tegra kernel INA3221 driver allows unauthorized users to access system power usage data, leading to potential information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier Series, Jetson Xavier NX, TX1, TX2, Nano, and Nano 2GB running all L4T versions prior to r32.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthorized users with low privileges, leveraging improper access control in the INA3221 driver to gain access to system power usage data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-1071, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the NVIDIA Tegra kernel to version r32.5 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities related to power data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to limit unauthorized access to sensitive system components.
Regularly monitor and audit system activities to detect and respond to potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by NVIDIA to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.