CVE-2021-21281 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-21281, a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability in Contiki-NG. Discover impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps to enhance system security.
A buffer overflow vulnerability in Contiki-NG versions prior to 4.6 allows remote attackers to exploit an unvalidated TCP data offset, impacting the availability of systems.
Understanding CVE-2021-21281
This vulnerability in Contiki-NG exposes devices to potential attacks due to a buffer overflow issue, affecting versions below 4.6.
What is CVE-2021-21281?
CVE-2021-21281 is a security flaw in the Contiki-NG operating system that enables remote threat actors to disrupt system availability through a buffer overflow attack.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21281
The vulnerability poses a high risk to system availability, with a CVSS base score of 7, indicating a significant threat level, although confidentiality and integrity impacts are assessed as low.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21281
The vulnerability lies in the tcp-socket library, allowing a remote attacker to send a packet with an unvalidated data offset to trigger a buffer overflow.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from insufficient validation of data offsets in TCP packets, leading to a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
Affected Systems and Versions
Contiki-NG versions prior to 4.6 are vulnerable to this exploit, exposing systems that utilize the tcp-socket library to potential attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending specially crafted packets with unvalidated data offsets, threat actors can trigger a buffer overflow, compromising the targeted system's availability.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-21281, immediate action is crucial to prevent exploitation and enhance system security.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Contiki-NG to version 4.6 or apply patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and monitoring network traffic can enhance the overall security posture of IoT devices.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates from trusted sources like Contiki-NG can help mitigate known vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses.