CVE-2021-34383 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier series, Jetson Xavier NX, Jetson TX2 series, Jetson TX2 NX devices. This CVE-2021-34383 affects all Jetson Linux versions prior to r32.5.1 and can result in denial of service or escalation of privileges due to a heap overflow in NVIDIA MB2 bootloader.

Understanding CVE-2021-34383

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-34383 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-34383?

The vulnerability lies in NVIDIA MB2, where a potential heap overflow can occur due to improper input validation, enabling attackers to trigger denial of service or potentially escalate their privileges on affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34383

The impact of CVE-2021-34383 is rated as MEDIUM severity. It can lead to denial of service attacks or unauthorized elevation of privileges, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34383

This section provides a deeper understanding of the technical aspects associated with CVE-2021-34383.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in NVIDIA MB2 bootloader allows for a potential heap overflow, which, if exploited, can result in denial of service or privilege escalation attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier series, Jetson Xavier NX, Jetson TX2 series, Jetson TX2 NX devices are affected. Specifically, all Jetson Linux versions prior to r32.5.1 are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally, requiring high privileges. Attackers can potentially launch attacks without user interaction, impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2021-34383 is crucial to secure the affected devices and prevent any potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their systems to Jetson Linux versions equal to or greater than r32.5.1, which contain patches to address the vulnerability. Additionally, restrict access to vulnerable systems to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular security audits, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and monitoring for unauthorized system changes, can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and firmware updates provided by NVIDIA to ensure that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed and the devices are safeguarded against potential exploits.