CVE-2021-20121 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-20121, a vulnerability in the Telus Wi-Fi Hub with firmware version 3.00.20, allowing authenticated arbitrary file read.

Understanding CVE-2021-20121

This section delves into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2021-20121?

The Telus Wi-Fi Hub (PRV65B444A-S-TS) with firmware version 3.00.20 is susceptible to an authenticated arbitrary file read. This allows a physically present authenticated user to access arbitrary files by utilizing a specially crafted USB drive and sending specific requests to the device's web interface.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20121

The vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device, posing a significant security risk to users and their data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20121

This section explores the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems and exploitation methods.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw enables an authenticated user with physical access to read arbitrary files by manipulating the device via a prepared USB drive and crafted web interface requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Telus Wi-Fi Hub (PRV65B444A-S-TS) running firmware version 3.00.20 is confirmed to be impacted by this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker must be a physically authenticated user with access to the device and the ability to connect a specially crafted USB drive to retrieve files.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss strategies to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-20121.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to restrict physical access to the Telus Wi-Fi Hub, ensuring it is only handled by authorized personnel to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and network monitoring can help in identifying any unauthorized access attempts and improving overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Keeping the firmware of the Telus Wi-Fi Hub up to date with the latest security patches and fixes is crucial in mitigating the risk of exploitation and enhancing device security.