CVE-2021-3322 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-3322, focusing on the unexpected pointer aliasing vulnerability in Zephyr affecting versions >=2.4.0.

Understanding CVE-2021-3322

This CVE, identified on April 21, 2021, highlights an unexpected pointer aliasing issue in IEEE 802154 Fragment Reassembly in the Zephyr operating system.

What is CVE-2021-3322?

The vulnerability in Zephyr versions >=2.4.0 leads to a NULL Pointer Dereference (CWE-476), posing a medium-level security threat.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3322

With a CVSS base score of 6.5 (medium severity), this vulnerability can result in high availability impact with adjacent network attack complexity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3322

Let's delve into the specifics of the CVE to better understand the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The unexpected pointer aliasing flaw in IEEE 802154 Fragment Reassembly in Zephyr can be exploited to cause a NULL Pointer Dereference (CWE-476).

Affected Systems and Versions

Zephyr versions >=2.4.0 are impacted by this vulnerability due to the pointer aliasing issue in IEEE 802154 Fragment Reassembly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a NULL Pointer Dereference, potentially leading to service disruption or system crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-3322 is crucial for maintaining system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Zephyr installations to a non-vulnerable version to address the pointer aliasing issue and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Zephyr and apply patches promptly to secure your systems against known vulnerabilities.