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CVE-2021-21572 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Discover the details of CVE-2021-21572, a high-severity Dell BIOSConnect buffer overflow vulnerability allowing unauthorized code execution. Learn about impacts and mitigation.

Dell BIOSConnect feature in certain Dell systems has been identified with a buffer overflow vulnerability. This flaw could be exploited by a malicious admin user with local access to the system to execute arbitrary code and bypass UEFI restrictions.

Understanding CVE-2021-21572

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-21572.

What is CVE-2021-21572?

The CVE-2021-21572 vulnerability pertains to a buffer overflow issue within the Dell BIOSConnect feature. This vulnerability enables a locally authenticated threat actor to execute unauthorized code and circumvent UEFI controls.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21572

The high severity vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows an attacker to run arbitrary code on the affected system and override UEFI restrictions, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21572

Let's delve deeper into the specifics of this vulnerability to understand the affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation approaches.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability identified in Dell BIOSConnect feature is a heap-based buffer overflow issue, categorized under CWE-122. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Dell systems running BIOSConnect versions lower than Gen 11 and Gen 10, exposing them to potential exploitation by malicious actors with local access.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated malicious admin user with local access can exploit this vulnerability to trigger the buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code, bypassing security controls in the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21572, immediate actions and long-term security best practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to apply patches and security updates provided by Dell to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, restricting access to privileged accounts and monitoring system activities can help prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security protocols, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and promoting user awareness on secure computing practices are pivotal for maintaining a resilient security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor vendor security advisories and apply software patches and firmware updates released by Dell to remediate vulnerabilities and enhance system security.

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