CVE-2021-1941 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-1941, a buffer over-read vulnerability in Qualcomm products that could allow attackers to exploit a flaw in WLAN. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A buffer over-read vulnerability (CVSS score: 7.5) has been identified in multiple Qualcomm products, allowing attackers to potentially exploit an improper length check on the WPA IE string sent by a peer.
Understanding CVE-2021-1941
This CVE affects a wide range of Qualcomm products across different verticals such as Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, and more. The vulnerability stems from a buffer over-read issue in WLAN.
What is CVE-2021-1941?
The CVE-2021-1941 vulnerability involves a possible buffer over-read due to improper length validation on the WPA IE string received from a peer in Qualcomm products.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1941
The vulnerability poses a high availability impact with a CVSS base score of 7.5, indicating a significant security concern that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1941
This section covers specific technical details related to the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from a lack of proper length validation on the WPA IE string sent by a peer, leading to a potential buffer over-read scenario.
Affected Systems and Versions
Qualcomm products including Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, Mobile, and more are impacted by this vulnerability. A wide array of versions are affected across the identified products.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a maliciously crafted WPA IE string, taking advantage of the improper length check to trigger a buffer over-read condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1941, immediate steps and long-term security measures are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to apply patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to address this vulnerability promptly. Organizations should also monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust network security protocols, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about security bulletins are essential for long-term protection against such vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Qualcomm has released patches addressing CVE-2021-1941. It is highly advised to apply these patches to all affected products to eliminate the identified security risk.