CVE-2021-31401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An integer overflow vulnerability was discovered in tcp_rcv() function in HCC embedded InterNiche 4.0.1. This vulnerability arises due to unsanitized TCP header processing, leading to a crafted IP packet causing an overflow when calculating the IP data length.

Understanding CVE-2021-31401

This section will provide insight into the nature of the CVE-2021-31401 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-31401?

CVE-2021-31401 is an integer overflow vulnerability found in the tcp_rcv() function within HCC embedded InterNiche 4.0.1. The issue stems from inadequate sanitization of the IP total length field, allowing for a specially crafted IP packet to trigger an overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31401

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial of service (DoS) condition or potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, compromising its integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31401

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-31401.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the TCP header processing code's failure to properly sanitize the value of the IP total length field, enabling an integer overflow by manipulating the IP data length calculation.

Affected Systems and Versions

HCC embedded InterNiche 4.0.1 is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Other versions or products may also be affected if they utilize similar TCP header processing mechanisms.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious IP packet, threat actors can exploit this vulnerability to trigger an integer overflow when calculating the IP data length, potentially leading to a system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-31401.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implementing network intrusion detection and prevention systems can help detect and block exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for any anomalous IP packets can assist in identifying potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating and patching the affected systems is essential to protect against known vulnerabilities. Employing secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments can also enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-provided patches and updates should be applied promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Ensuring that the software and systems are up to date with the latest security fixes is crucial in minimizing the attack surface.