CVE-2021-20698 : Security Advisory and Response

Sharp NEC Displays (UN462A R1.300 and prior to it, UN462VA R1.300 and prior to it, UN492S R1.300 and prior to it, UN492VS R1.300 and prior to it, UN552A R1.300 and prior to it, UN552S R1.300 and prior to it, UN552VS R1.300 and prior to it, UN552 R1.300 and prior to it, UN552V R1.300 and prior to it, UX552S R1.300 and prior to it, UX552 R1.300 and prior to it, V864Q R2.000 and prior to it, C861Q R2.000 and prior to it, P754Q R2.000 and prior to it, V754Q R2.000 and prior to it, C751Q R2.000 and prior to it, V984Q R2.000 and prior to it, C981Q R2.000 and prior to it, P654Q R2.000 and prior to it, V654Q R2.000 and prior to it, C651Q R2.000 and prior to it, V554Q R2.000 and prior to it, P404 R3.200 and prior to it, P484 R3.200 and prior to it, P554 R3.200 and prior to it, V404 R3.200 and prior to it, V484 R3.200 and prior to it, V554 R3.200 and prior to it, V404-T R3.200 and prior to it, V484-T R3.200 and prior to it, V554-T R3.200 and prior to it, C501 R2.000 and prior to it, C551 R2.000 and prior to it, C431 R2.000 and prior to it) allows an attacker to obtain root privileges and execute remote code by sending unintended parameters that contain specific characters in the HTTP request.

Understanding CVE-2021-20698

This CVE impacts Sharp NEC Displays by enabling attackers to gain root privileges and run arbitrary code through crafted HTTP requests.

What is CVE-2021-20698?

CVE-2021-20698 affects Sharp NEC Displays of various versions, allowing malicious actors to achieve elevated privileges and execute remote code by manipulating HTTP request parameters.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20698

The vulnerability poses a severe security risk as threat actors can exploit it to gain unauthorized access, potentially leading to a complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20698

The vulnerability arises from improper certificate validation, enabling attackers to bypass security mechanisms and execute unauthorized commands.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Sharp NEC Displays enables threat actors to escalate privileges and execute malicious code by inserting specific characters in HTTP requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

Sharp NEC Displays versions UN462A R1.300 and earlier, UN462VA R1.300 and earlier, and others listed are vulnerable to the exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate HTTP request parameters, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands and gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Proactively addressing CVE-2021-20698 is crucial to safeguard systems from potential exploitation and unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches promptly, restrict network access, and monitor traffic for suspicious activities to mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security controls, conducting regular security assessments, and educating personnel on secure coding practices can enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Users of affected Sharp NEC Displays versions should install the latest patches released by the vendor to address the vulnerability effectively.