CVE-2021-34173 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-34173, a vulnerability that allows an attacker to cause a Denial of Service and kernel panic in v4.2 and earlier versions of Espressif esp32 by exploiting a malformed beacon CSA frame.

Understanding CVE-2021-34173

This section delves into the crucial aspects of CVE-2021-34173.

What is CVE-2021-34173?

CVE-2021-34173 enables an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service and kernel panic on Espressif esp32 devices running v4.2 or older due to a vulnerability associated with a malformed beacon CSA frame. Recovery from this attack necessitates a full reboot of the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34173

The exploitation of CVE-2021-34173 poses a significant threat, leading to service disruption and system instability, ultimately requiring manual intervention for remediation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34173

This section outlines the technical specifics of CVE-2021-34173.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in v4.2 and previous iterations of Espressif esp32 permits attackers to orchestrate a Denial of Service and kernel panic by utilizing a malformed beacon CSA frame.

Affected Systems and Versions

Espressif esp32 devices running v4.2 and earlier are susceptible to this vulnerability, putting them at risk of service disruption and operational compromise.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-34173 involves crafting a specially designed malformed beacon CSA frame to trigger a kernel panic and disrupt device functionality.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-34173.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the vulnerability, it is recommended to apply security patches, implement network segmentation, and closely monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enhancing network security measures, conducting regular security audits, and staying updated with vendor patches are essential for long-term resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating the firmware of Espressif esp32 devices to the latest versions, as well as promptly applying security patches from the vendor, is crucial for safeguarding against CVE-2021-34173.